Thirsty Thursday: African Milk Tree

African Milk Tree:

Euphorbia trigona

The African Milk Tree goes buy many names: African milk bush, friendship cactus or candelabra cactus. Looks can be deceiving with this plant. I had mine for years before even thinking of looking up what "kind of cactus" it was. I was very surprised to find out it was not a cactus at all but a succulent native to Central Africa! This plant is a very attractive plant. It is very easy to grow and propagate. Right now I have about 20 small Euphorbia that are between a few months old to just beginning to take root. I love it!

Cuttings of the African Milk Tree that are just starting to root.

SUN

As a houseplant the Euphorbia trigona really loves light. It would prefer to sit in a window all day and soak up as many rays as it can! A south facing window would be a prime spot for this plant. If this plant doesn't get enough light it will become soft and droopy and may fall over. If you notice the ends of the arms of your plant becoming drooping or leaning over, it may need a bit more light. 

WATER

The African Milk Tree likes to have the top one inch of soil dry out between waterings but does not like to get too dry and will begin to get soft (similar to what happens with not enough light). I use the "ice cube" method of watering. Take a few ice cubes to a handful, depending on the pot size, and drop them around the top of the pot and as the ice melts the plant is watered gradually. This will allow more water to soak into the soil. This method especially helps when propagating small cuttings of plants that can be more susceptible to root rot. This plant doesn't like to get too dry but it really doesn't like to keep wet soil. (When drenching this plant be sure to do it in growing season and remove the dish to let it drain. )

REPOTTING AND FERTILIZING

This plant will do best being fertilized every other week during the growing season. That is usually between April and October! Use a balanced fertilizer or a succulent mix for best results. 

The African Milk Tree likes to be repotted every year and it is best to do it during the peak of the growing season in June or July. (1)

This plant is said to do the best in sandy soil with peat or a succulent mix. I have always used regular potting soil with mine and have had great luck. I make sure to use pea gravel at in the bottom of my pots to allow for extra water drainage from the soil. 

BLOOMING!

This plant has deciduous leaves. If it is healthy and loves where it lives then it will sprout these pretty leaves! 

Leaves of the African Milk Tree.

**WARNING!**

This plant is toxic! When the plant is damaged it leaks out a white latex-sap that can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Take care if you have this plant around children or pets. When cutting, pruning, or repotting take care to wear thick gloves and even protective eyewear! (2) I have touched the sap and haven't had any discomfort but I accidentally had some residual sap make it to my lip somehow and my lip tingled and lost feeling for around an hour! 

(1) http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-african-milk-tree-42497.html

(2) http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/a/african_milk_bush_poisoning/intro.htm