African Milk Tree Care Guide
Euphorbia trigona
Also known as: Euphorbia, Cathedral Cactus
Watering
Summer
Every 17 days
Winter
Every 21 days
Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.
Light
Bright indirect
Near a window but no direct rays hitting the leaves
Humidity
20-40%
Thrives in dry air. No misting needed.
Pet & Child Safety
Very toxic - dangerous if ingested
Harmful to: cats, dogs, children
Pot & Soil
Prefers a snug, heavy pot for stability. Use cactus/succulent mix with extra perlite.
Pot-size watering
The 17-21 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry.
Prefers snug roots
This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled.
Soil refresh
Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.
Good to Know
Not a cactus. Toxic milky sap.
Frequently asked
How often should I water African Milk Tree?▾
Every 17 days in summer and every 21 days in winter is the reference range. The 17-21 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry. Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.
What light does African Milk Tree need?▾
Bright indirect. Near a window but no direct rays hitting the leaves.
Is African Milk Tree safe for pets and children?▾
Very toxic and dangerous if ingested. Keep well out of reach of cats, dogs, children.
What humidity does African Milk Tree prefer?▾
20-40%. Thrives in dry air - no misting needed.
What soil and pot does African Milk Tree need?▾
Prefers a snug, heavy pot for stability. Use cactus/succulent mix with extra perlite. This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled. Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.
Is African Milk Tree beginner-friendly?▾
Yes - African Milk Tree is a succulent well-suited to beginners.
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