African milk tree
Euphorbia trigona · Family Euphorbiaceae
Also known as: euphorbia trigona, cathedral cactus, candelabra cactus
- Light
- Bright indirect to full sun
- Watering
- Every 14 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
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Care
Where to put it
A bright living room corner near a sunny window.
Light
Bright light to full sun. Its milky sap is an irritant.
Watering
Water when the compost is completely dry, less often in winter.
About the plant
Despite the name, the African milk tree is a euphorbia, not a cactus. It has upright, triangular stems with small leaves along the ridges. In a pot it can exceed 1.5 metres and gives a room a sculptural look.
Origin
Native to tropical Africa, where it grows in dry, open areas.
What it likes
- Lots of light, with sun
- Infrequent watering
- A heavy, free-draining pot
What it dislikes
- Soggy compost
- Low light
- Contact with the sap
Did you know?
Its milky sap irritates skin and eyes, a trait common among euphorbias.
