How to Care for African Milk Tree

The African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a striking, upright succulent known for its tall, triangular stems and spiky ridges lined with small leaves. Native to Central Africa, this resilient plant thrives indoors with minimal care and adds an architectural touch to any space. Its unique form and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for both new and experienced plant owners looking for a bold statement piece.

With easyplant, watering your African Milk Tree is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once every 3 months and fill it if empty, and you’re all set!

African Milk Tree grows best in a space with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly, and can also adapt to spaces with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

To keep your African Milk Tree looking its best, gently wipe its tall stems with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and allow it to breathe and absorb light more efficiently. Rotate the plant every few weeks so it grows evenly and doesn’t lean toward the light source. If any stems become too tall or unruly, you can carefully prune them back - always wearing gloves, as the plant’s sap can be irritating. Trimmings will not regrow from the cut point, but new branches may form lower on the stem. Over time, your African Milk Tree may outgrow its pot, and when that happens, you can repot it using easyplant’s repotting kit, which provides a larger pot with fresh soil to support continued growth.

Indoors, the African Milk Tree can grow impressively tall, typically reaching 4–8 feet in height over time, with stems about 2–3 inches thick. Growth is usually about 6–12 inches per year under the right conditions. Its branching habit gives it a candelabra-like shape, making it a dramatic statement plant in any room. Since it thrives on steady light and occasional pruning, you can easily manage its size and shape to fit your space.

The African Milk Tree thrives in warm indoor conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 65–85°F. It does not tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F, so keep it away from open windows in winter. This succulent prefers a dry environment and adapts well to average household humidity, so there’s no need to add extra moisture to the air. Avoid placing it near heating vents or air conditioners, as sudden temperature shifts and direct airflow can stress the plant.

Yes, the African Milk Tree is toxic if ingested. Its white, milky sap is an irritant that can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting in pets or children if consumed. The sap may also cause skin irritation upon contact. Always handle the plant with care, wear gloves when pruning, and keep it out of reach of curious pets and little ones.

If you’re using easyplant, following the reservoir refill schedule every 3 months prevents watering mistakes, so your African Milk Tree should stay healthy. For non-easyplant growers, yellowing, mushy stems are often a sign of overwatering - allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If stems appear thin, wrinkled, or begin to droop, your plant is likely too dry and needs a deep soak. Brown or scorched patches usually mean it has received too much direct sun through hot glass—move it slightly back from the window. Pests such as mealybugs or scale may occasionally appear; wipe them off gently with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Some leaves at the base will naturally dry and fall off over time, which is normal. Always act quickly to correct conditions so your plant continues to thrive.