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Euphorbia trigona, Green African Milk Tree
Euphorbia trigona, Green African Milk Tree
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Euphorbia trigona ‘Green’ – The Upright Charm of the African Milk Tree
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact houseplant with a sculptural look, let us introduce you to Euphorbia trigona ‘Green’, often called the African Milk Tree. This upright beauty brings a bold vertical presence and architectural flair to any space. With its rich green stems and small, teardrop-shaped leaves, it’s a living statement piece that asks for very little—but gives a whole lot in return.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to grow, care for, and love this fascinating plant.
What Is Euphorbia trigona?
Euphorbia trigona is a fast-growing, upright succulent native to Central Africa. It belongs to the Euphorbia family, which includes many plants that look like cacti—but aren’t true cacti at all. Instead, this plant stores water in its stems and has a latex-like sap, much like other euphorbias.
The “Green” variety stands out for its lush, rich green stems lined with sharp, triangle-shaped ridges. Along the ridges, you’ll find rows of tiny green leaves that pop out during the growing season. With its upright habit and strong vertical lines, it can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors under the right conditions.
Why Grow the African Milk Tree?
There’s a lot to love about this quirky stunner. Here are just a few reasons why plant lovers keep adding Euphorbia trigona to their collections:
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Bold Architecture: Its tall, columnar shape adds instant structure to any plant display.
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Low Maintenance: It thrives on neglect—perfect for busy people or forgetful waterers.
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Drought Tolerant: As a succulent, it stores water in its stems and can go weeks between drinks.
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Pest Resistant: Not a favorite of bugs, so it usually stays clean and healthy.
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Fast Growing: When it’s happy, it grows quickly, adding inches each season.
Light: Give It the Sunshine It Craves
Euphorbia trigona loves light. The more it gets, the better it grows.
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Ideal Conditions: Bright, indirect light or several hours of direct sun each day.
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Indoor Placement: A south-facing window is perfect. East or west-facing windows work well too.
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Outdoor Option: You can grow it outdoors in the summer if temps are warm. Just be sure to bring it inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Not enough light? You’ll notice slower growth, smaller leaves, or even leaf drop. A grow light can help in darker spots.
Watering: Less Is More
This plant is a succulent, so overwatering is a big no-no. Its biggest enemy? Wet feet.
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Watering Rule: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
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Seasonal Care: Water every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer. Cut back to once a month or less in winter.
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Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing stems, mushy spots, or rot at the base.
Always water thoroughly and let excess water drain out. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
Soil: Light and Well-Draining
The right soil keeps the roots happy and healthy.
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Best Mix: A cactus or succulent soil mix with lots of sand or perlite.
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DIY Option: Mix equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand for fast drainage.
Choose a pot with drainage holes so water doesn’t get trapped at the bottom.
Temperature & Humidity: Warm and Dry Is Best
As a native of warm, dry climates, Euphorbia trigona thrives in indoor conditions.
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Ideal Range: 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
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Avoid Cold: Don’t let it drop below 50°F (10°C). It doesn’t like drafts or frost.
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Humidity Needs: No extra humidity needed—this plant prefers dry air.
Fertilizer: Feed for Growth
While it doesn’t need much, a little boost during the growing season can help.
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Feeding Schedule: Once a month in spring and summer.
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Type: Use a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer.
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Skip Winter: Don’t fertilize when the plant is dormant in fall and winter.
Repotting: Only When Needed
This plant likes being a bit root-bound, so don’t rush to repot.
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When to Repot: Every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes top-heavy.
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Best Time: Early spring, just before the growing season begins.
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Pot Choice: Choose a sturdy pot that won’t tip over. Terra cotta is ideal for air flow and stability.
Use gloves when repotting. The white sap can irritate skin and eyes.
Pruning & Propagation: Shape and Share
Euphorbia trigona doesn’t need much pruning, but you can shape it or start new plants.
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Pruning Tips:
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Use sharp, clean tools.
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Wear gloves to protect yourself from the milky sap.
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Cut just above a ridge or node.
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Propagation:
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Let the cutting dry and callous for a few days.
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Plant in dry succulent soil.
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Mist lightly until roots form.
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Be patient—cuttings can take a few weeks to root.
Caution: Handle with Care
This plant is beautiful, but it does have a defense mechanism.
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Toxic Sap: The white latex-like sap is irritating to skin and eyes and toxic if ingested.
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Pet Safety: Keep out of reach of pets and children.
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Handling: Always wear gloves when cutting or repotting.
If the sap gets on your skin, wash with soap and water immediately.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Even though it’s tough, the African Milk Tree can show signs of stress. Here's what to watch for:
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Dropping Leaves: Often caused by low light or overwatering.
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Brown Spots or Mushy Stems: Usually a sign of rot—cut off affected parts and adjust your watering routine.
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Leaning Stems: May need support or more light to stay upright.
Keep an eye on your plant and it’ll let you know what it needs.
Real-World Experience: Why We Love It
We’ve grown a lot of euphorbias over the years, but Euphorbia trigona ‘Green’ remains one of our favorites. It grows quickly, responds well to care, and makes a stunning indoor accent in a bright room. Ours sits by a sunny window, and every spring it pushes out a new tier of growth—each one stronger and more defined than the last.
One customer even shared that hers grew from a 12-inch cutting to a 5-foot beauty in just two years. That’s the kind of reward every plant parent dreams about.
A Strong, Stylish Plant That Keeps Giving
If you want a plant that grows up with you, offers drama without the drama, and doesn’t mind being left alone now and then, Euphorbia trigona ‘Green’ is the one. Whether it’s standing tall in your office, brightening up your living room, or thriving on a sunny patio during summer, this African Milk Tree will never go unnoticed.
It’s strong. It’s sculptural. And it’s surprisingly simple to grow. Let it take root in your space—and watch it reach for the sky.
