Euphorbia trigona, commonly called African milk tree, is a succulent herbaceous plant grown for its striking upright, ribbed stems and architectural form. It is not edible and is best suited to warm, dry gardens where it can be protected from frost.
Soil Preparation
Use a very free-draining, gritty mix: 2 parts coarse sand, 1 part perlite, 1 part standard potting soil. Aim for pH 6.0–7.0. Add a handful of crushed charcoal or pumice to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Growing Guide
Plant in a free-draining mix of coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil in a terracotta pot or well-drained garden bed. Position in bright, indirect light or part shade, avoiding harsh afternoon sun. Space plants 30–50 cm apart for air circulation. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between drinks; reduce to monthly in winter. Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining containers.
Care
Feed with a balanced, low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) once in spring and again in summer. Prune only to remove dead or damaged stems; wear gloves as sap is a skin irritant. Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and prevent root binding.
Companion Planting
Pair with other low-water succulents like Aloe vera, Agave attenuata, and Echeveria. Avoid planting near moisture-loving ferns or leafy annuals that would compete for water and cause root rot.
Common Pests & Risks
Mealybug and scale are the most common pests on African milk tree in Australia. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or apply neem oil spray. Check leaf axils and stem joints weekly; isolate infested plants promptly.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing lower stems: overwatering or poor drainage — reduce water and check pot holes. Soft, mushy base: root rot from waterlogged soil — cut back to healthy tissue and repot in dry mix. Brown crispy tips: too much direct sun or low humidity — move to part shade. White cottony masses on stems: mealybug — treat with alcohol swab. Stems leaning or falling over: top-heavy plant — stake or repot into heavier pot.
Planting Calendar
Climate zone
Plant / repot
Transplant
Peak season
TemperateMelbourne · Adelaide · coastal NSW · most of NZ
It grows moderately fast, reaching 60–90 cm in 2–3 years in a pot. In ground it can reach 1.5–2 m in 5–6 years.
Can African milk tree grow in a pot?
Yes, it thrives in a pot. Use a terracotta pot with drainage holes and a free-draining succulent mix. Repot every 2–3 years.
When should I plant African milk tree in Australia?
In temperate and subtropical zones, plant in spring (Sep–Nov). In Mediterranean zones, plant in autumn (Mar–Jun) to avoid summer heat stress.
How much water does African milk tree need?
Water sparingly — only when the soil is completely dry. In summer, water every 10–14 days; in winter, water once a month. Overwatering causes root rot.
What companion plants go well with African milk tree?
Pair with other low-water succulents like Aloe vera, Agave, and Echeveria. Avoid moisture-loving ferns or leafy annuals.
How do I prune African milk tree?
Only prune to remove dead or damaged stems. Wear gloves — the sap is a skin irritant. Cut cleanly with a sharp knife.
What are common problems with African milk tree?
Yellowing stems from overwatering, soft mushy base from root rot, and white mealybug masses on stems. All are fixable with reduced water and alcohol treatment.
What soil does African milk tree need?
Very free-draining, gritty mix: 2 parts coarse sand, 1 part perlite, 1 part potting soil. pH 6.0–7.0. Add charcoal or pumice.
Is African milk tree frost tolerant?
No, it is frost-sensitive. In temperate zones, protect with frost cloth or bring pot indoors during cold snaps. It cannot survive frost.
Can I grow African milk tree from seed?
It is rarely grown from seed; most propagation is by stem cuttings. Let cuttings callous for 3–5 days before planting in dry mix.
Quick Facts
SunPart Shade
WaterLow
Spacing
80–150 cm
Frost toleranceLow
ToxicityMilky sap is irritating and toxic
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