Euphorbia trigona aka African Milktree
Taxonomy ID: 3077
Euphorbia trigona, commonly known as the African milk tree, cathedral cactus, or Abyssinian euphorbia, is a species of flowering plant native to Central Africa. It is well-known for its succulent stems and branches, which are an adaptation to arid climates. This tender and slow-growing shrub can reach a height of 1.8m (6ft) and has upright, green, three to four-sided stems with short-lived oval leaves. Along the ridges of the stems, persistent reddish-brown spines can be found, while variable, pale grey-green V-shaped bands run along each side. In spring and summer, small pale-green flowers may appear at the tops of the stems, although they are unlikely to bloom when grown indoors. The African milk tree is a highly sought-after decorative plant that adds a dramatic touch to any landscape. It is also known by other names such as the cathedral cactus, candelabra cactus, friendship cactus, and good luck cactus, although it is technically a succulent. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, this plant remains lush and green, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.
Common names
African Milktree, African Milk Tree, African Milk WeedMore information about African Milktree
How difficult is it to take care of African Milktree
With its straightforward care requirements, African Milktree is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of African Milktree
African Milktree’s native range is Worldwide.
What are the water needs for African Milktree
African Milktree does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for African Milktree
The African Milktree is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.
What is the sunlight requirement for African Milktree
African Milktree requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your African Milk Tree is always in the right place to thrive.
What's the right humidity for African Milktree
African Milktree prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.
How to fertilize African Milktree
The African Milktree is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Is African Milktree toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
What's the dormancy for African Milktree
During the wintertime, it is common for African Milktree plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
