Beginners Guide: How to Grow and Care for African Milk Tree

Often called the “candelabra cactus” or “friendship cactus,” the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is not a true cactus but a succulent native to Central Africa. It stole my heart the moment I saw its cactus-like stems reaching for the sky.

I first spotted an African Milk Tree at a friend’s house, and I was hooked. Its tall, triangular stems, dotted with small teardrop leaves and spines, looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. 

This plant grows fast, about 1-2 feet a year. It can reach up to 6 feet indoors or 9 feet outdoors in ideal conditions. Its nicknames hint at its charm—it’s a symbol of good luck and friendship, making it a great gift.

The African milk tree is perfect for adding vertical drama to a living room, office, or sunroom. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and even purifies the air. But beware: its milky sap is toxic.

For more safety info, check the ASPCA’s guide on toxic plants.

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Ideal Conditions for Growing African Milk Tree Indoors

I can’t stress this enough: the milky sap is no joke. It’s toxic if ingested and can irritate skin and eyes. Keep out of reach of pets and always wear gloves when pruning or propagating. If sap gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.

When I brought my African Milk Tree home, I was nervous about getting it right. But after some research, I realized it thrives with minimal fuss if you nail a few key conditions.

Light: Bright and indirect is best

African Milk Trees love light—lots of it. I place mine near a south-facing window where it gets bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. Direct sun is fine, but too much can scorch the leaves, especially in hot climates like Texas or Arizona. 

If you’re in a cloudier area like Seattle, a grow light can work wonders. I use a full-spectrum LED grow light, and my plant stays vibrant. Rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure even growth. Mine started leaning toward the window until I got into this habit!

Temperature: Keep it warm

This succulent hails from tropical Africa, so it loves warmth. Aim for daytime temperatures between 65-85°F and nighttime lows of 60-70°F. I learned the hard way that it hates cold drafts. My plant dropped leaves when I left it near an open window in winter. 

So, if you live in colder regions like New York or Chicago, keep it indoors during winter, as it can’t handle temperatures below 45°F for long.

Soil: Drainage is non-negotiable

African Milk Trees need well-draining soil to avoid root rot. I use a cactus and succulent potting mix, but you can make your own by combining potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand in a 2:1:1 ratio. My go-to mix is  adding organic matter for extra drainage. 

Terracotta pots are my favorite because they’re porous and help excess water evaporate.

Humidity: Keep it dry

Coming from arid Africa, this plant doesn’t need humidity. In fact, too much moisture in the air can invite pests or rot. I keep mine in a dry room with good air circulation, and it’s never had issues. If your home is humid, like in Florida, consider a dehumidifier for your plant corner.

Watering your African milk tree: Less is more

Overwatering is the fastest way to kill an African Milk Tree—I learned this the hard way when my first plant got mushy at the base. These succulents store water in their stems, so they’re drought-tolerant and hate soggy soil. Here’s how I keep mine happy:

• Spring and Summer: Water every 2-3 weeks when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. I check by sticking my finger in the soil. If it feels dry, I give it a good soak until water drains out the bottom. Then, I empty the saucer to avoid standing water.
• Fall and Winter: During dormancy, I water only once a month, or when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering in winter can weaken the plant over time.

Pro Tip: If you notice yellowing leaves or a squishy stem, you’re likely overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Fertilizing: A little goes a long way

I fertilize my African Milk Tree monthly during spring and summer with a diluted, water-soluble cactus fertilizer (I use a 20-20-20 NPK ratio at half strength). This keeps it growing strong without overwhelming it. During fall and winter, I skip fertilizing entirely since the plant is dormant. 

Over-fertilizing can cause weak growth, so less is more.

Pruning and maintenance: Keeping it tidy

My African milk tree grew so fast it started looking a bit wild, so pruning became my friend. Regular pruning keeps it from getting top-heavy and encourages bushier growth. Here’s how I do it:

• The milky sap is toxic and can irritate skin and eyes. I wear thick gloves and safety goggles to be safe.
• I sterilize a sharp knife or pruners with rubbing alcohol to make clean cuts.
• If the plant is too tall, I cut the main stem to encourage side branches. For bushier growth, I trim the ends of the “arms.”
• After cutting, I rinse the cut area with water or dab it with charcoal to stop the sap flow.

Prune in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. For detailed pruning advice, BBC Gardeners’ World has a great guide.

Propagating your African milk tree: Share the love

One of my favorite things about this plant is how easy it is to propagate. I’ve gifted cuttings to friends, earning it a “friendship cactus” nickname. Here’s my step-by-step process:

• Pick a 4-6inch healthy stem with new growth.
• Using a sterilized knife, cut the stem cleanly. Be ready for the milky sap!
• Rinse the cut end under water to stop the sap flow.
• Place the cutting in a dry, warm spot for 3-10 days until the cut end forms a callus.
• Stick the callused end 1-2 inches into a well-draining cactus mix. I use a small terracotta pot for stability.
• Place the planted cutting in a spot with bright indirect light.
• Keep the soil barely moist until roots form (about 2-6 months). Once new growth appears, treat it like a mature plant.

Propagation is best done in late spring or early summer.

Repotting: Giving your plant room to grow

My African milk tree outgrew its pot faster than I expected, so repotting every 1-2 years is key. I repot in summer when the plant is active. Here’s how:

• These plants can get top-heavy, so I use a heavy terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes.
• Use a cactus mix or my homemade blend (potting soil, perlite, sand).
• Gently remove the plant. Carefully ease it out, untangling roots if needed.
• Place it in the new pot, fill with soil, and water lightly. I keep it out of direct sun for a few days to reduce stress.

Common pests and problems: What to watch for

Thankfully, my African milk tree has been mostly pest-free, but mealybugs can sneak in. If I spot these white, cottony pests, I dab them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap. 

Overwatering is the biggest issue—yellowing or dropping leaves are a sign to cut back. Underwatering can cause dry, shriveled stems, so check the soil regularly.

Where to Grow African Milk Tree in Home

The African Milk Tree thrives in USDA Zones 9-11 (think parts of California, Arizona, Florida, and Texas), where it can grow outdoors year-round. For most American homes, though, it’s an indoor plant. Here’s how to make it work:

• Sunny Climates (e.g., Phoenix, Miami): Place it in partial shade outdoors or near a bright window indoors. Avoid the scorching midday sun.
• Colder Climates (e.g., Chicago, Boston): Keep it indoors near a south-facing window or under a grow light. Protect it from drafts.
• Humid Areas (e.g., New Orleans): Ensure good air circulation and use a dehumidifier if needed.

This plant’s bold, upright shape makes it a statement piece. I place mine in a sleek terracotta pot on a stand in my living room, where it adds height and texture. It pairs beautifully with other succulents or desert-themed decor. For small spaces, a tabletop version works great. 

Check out GDNC Nursery for inspiration on styling succulents.

FAQs 

Here are quick answers to the frequently asked questions about growing and caring for the African milk tree plant.

Q: How often should I water my African milk tree?

A: Water every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. In winter, water once a month or when the soil is completely dry.

Q: Can I grow an African milk tree outdoors in the U.S.?

A: Yes, in USDA Zones 9-11 (like parts of California, Arizona, or Florida). Elsewhere, keep it indoors during cold months to avoid frost damage.

Q: Why are my plant’s leaves dropping?

A: Leaf drop can signal overwatering, underwatering, or cold drafts. Check the soil moisture and move the plant to a warmer, brighter spot.

Q: Is the African milk tree safe for pets?

A: No, its sap is toxic to pets and humans. Keep it out of reach and handle it with gloves. See the National Capital Poison Center for more.

Q: How tall will my African milk tree grow indoors?

A: It can reach 6 feet indoors with proper care, but you can control its size with pruning and smaller pots.

Final thoughts

Growing my African milk tree has been a joy. Its quirky shape and easy care make it a standout in my plant collection. I love watching it grow taller each year, and propagating cuttings to share with friends feels like spreading a little luck. 

Whether you’re a plant newbie or a seasoned green thumb, this succulent is a fantastic addition to any home. Just give it bright light, sparse water, and a little love, and it’ll reward you with years of striking beauty.

For more plant care resources, explore the New York Botanical Garden’s guides or 36vine’s care tips.