How to Grow and Care for African Milk Tree

Varieties of African Milk Tree

One type of the African milk tree is Euphorbia trigona f. rubra, commonly known as ‘Royal Red’. It is characterized by its eye-catching maroon or bright red foliage.

Trimming

The African milk tree can grow to be very tall and has a relatively small and shallow root system. As a result, older plants may become top-heavy or even fall over, necessitating trimming. When trimming, it is important to always wear gloves and use a sharp, sterilized knife to remove stems. The cut you make will dry out and form a callus on its own. Be sure to maintain balance on both sides of the plant to prevent an uneven load on one side that could uproot the plant.

Propagating African Milk Tree

African milk tree can be easily propagated from stem cuttings and air layerings. Due to the plant’s toxicity, it’s important to use proper protective gear when propagating, such as heavy gloves, and to wash your hands immediately if you come into contact with the milky sap.

Propagating by Cuttings

To propagate through cuttings, start by gathering a sharp knife or hand pruners, alcohol wipes, a 4-inch container with potting medium, and coarse gravel. Sterilize the blade of your knife or scissors with alcohol, then cut off one of the plant’s “arms” at its base. Rinse the arm with cold running water until it stops oozing and allow it to dry on a paper towel, away from direct sunlight, for five to seven days to allow the tip to form a callus. Once the callus has developed, plant the arm in your container with the end about an inch below the soil surface.

Place a layer of gravel on top of the soil to help support the cutting upright, then position the pot in a warm area with adequate light and a temperature between 65 and 75 F, but away from direct sunlight. Rooting typically occurs within two months. Once roots are visible, transfer the plant to a slightly larger, 6-inch pot.

Propagating by Air Layering

Although less common than stem cutting, propagating African milk tree through air layering requires more patience but results in a larger plant. Begin by selecting a healthy, thick stem still attached to the plant and make a clean, diagonal cut halfway through with a sharp blade. Wrap the cut portion with moist sphagnum moss and then plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Roots are expected to form in about 6 to 10 weeks. Once a root ball is visible, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in well-draining soil. Water lightly as the plant begins to grow.

Planting and Replanting African Milk Tree

When planting an African milk tree, it is crucial to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. This plant thrives in a porous clay pot that can absorb excess water. For optimal water drainage, use sandy soil or a potting mix designed for succulents, especially when mixed with pumice or perlite. To accommodate its growth, repot the plant every one to two years, providing enough space for the roots to anchor it securely (possibly with stakes).

Surviving the Winter

African milk trees are not equipped to withstand cold temperatures. They usually struggle to thrive if the mercury drops below 50 degrees F, so it is crucial to only plant them in the ground if your climate is suitable. For potted plants, it is necessary to bring them indoors when the temperatures decrease. Position your succulent in a room with proper air circulation to reduce humidity and place it near a well-lit window with indirect sunlight.

Common Pests & Diseases

Typically, an African milk tree that is healthy does not easily fall victim to pests or diseases. However, it is important to be on the lookout for mealybugs, which create cotton-like threads. To eliminate them, prepare a mixture of water and mild dish detergent, then use a cloth soaked in this solution to wipe off the bugs. Alternatively, you can use rubbing alcohol on a paper towel or simply wash the bugs away with water from a garden hose.

Excessive watering of the plant can lead to fungal issues like cork disease, characterized by cork-like patches on the stems. To salvage the plant, trim off the affected stems. If you notice yellowing or browning of the succulent, it may be a sign of root rot due to overwatering, necessitating the disposal of the plant.

Common Issues

One of the most frequent problems encountered with African milk trees is either overwatering or underwatering the plant, leading to yellow and wilted leaves. It is much simpler to prevent this issue than to treat it, so ensure that your plant is situated in a warm location and water it sparingly so that the soil can dry out between waterings, but is not consistently dry.