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African milk tree: columnar growth and safe pruning

Euphorbia trigona. This is a euphorbia rather than a cactus; its white sap is strongly irritating and a tall heavy plant needs a stable pot.

African milk tree

Light

Very bright light with gentle sun after gradual acclimation.

Watering

Water only after the mix has dried completely.

Soil

A mineral, highly free-draining succulent mix.

More useful detail

Care over time

Rhythm through the year

Growth is fast in good spring and summer light. Water very sparingly in winter.

Growth and training

A tall specimen can be cut back, but the sap requires care and cuttings must callus before rooting.

Plant

A simple care routine for African milk tree

  1. 1

    Check light and moisture deeper in the pot.

  2. 2

    Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting, and keep the plant away from children and pets.

  3. 3

    Track successive leaves and the pace of growth.

Observation

Changes worth checking

  • A soft dark base
  • Pale thin new growth
  • The whole plant leaning
Important

Plant sap may irritate skin or eyes. Wear gloves when pruning and keep the plant away from children and pets.

Florli

Related guides and features

Library Plant care library Practical plant profiles for light, watering, soil and the changes worth watching. Read the guide → Library Plant problems Yellow leaves, brown spots and root problems: learn what to inspect first and how to avoid making the situation worse. Read the guide → Feature Plant care and garden planner Florli brings plants, places, work history and weather into one focused list for today and the days ahead. Read the guide →
Sources and further reading: RHS: houseplant cacti and succulents

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Prepared by Florli. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition.