CONNU SOUS LE NOM: Buisson de lait africain, Cactus cathédrale, Euphorbe abyssinienne, High Chaparral, Cactus de lamitié
DESCRIPTION : Ce cactus est tout à fait unique. La tige centrale et les grappes de « bras » lui donnent l’apparence d’un arbre. Chaque tige a des feuilles qui dépassent et semblent provenir d’une créature aquatique ou d’un extraterrestre. Cette variété particulière a également une teinte rouge !
The African Milk Plant, also known as Euphorbia trigona or Euphorbia Africana, is a unique and striking succulent that is gaining popularity as a houseplant. With its tall columnar stems, architectural shape and low maintenance needs it’s easy to see why these plants are so coveted. However, like any plant, the African Milk Plant has specific soil requirements that must be met for it to really thrive. Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing the ideal soil for your African Milk Plant.
Native to the arid regions of Central and West Africa, the African Milk Plant is well adapted to hot, dry environments. In the wild, these succulents grow in sandy, well-draining soils that provide excellent drainage while still retaining some moisture. Replicating these conditions in your home is key for growing a healthy plant.
The African Milk Plant is characterized by its upright, tree-like growth habit, reaching heights of 6-8 feet when mature. The stems are dotted with pairs of short, pointy leaves that may fall off during drier periods. During the growing season, tiny green flowers appear on long inflorescences. The stems and leaves contain a milky, latex-like sap that gives the plant its common name.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Soil
To choose the right potting mix you need to understand some key factors about the African Milk Plant’s preferences
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Fast drainage: These succulents need soil that drains quickly to prevent soggy roots.
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Aeration: Good airflow through the soil is important to supply oxygen to the roots.
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Moisture retention: While fast draining, the soil should also retain just enough moisture between waterings.
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Acidic pH: A pH between 6.0-6.5 is ideal for proper nutrient absorption.
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Low density: Avoid heavy, compact soils that will compress delicate roots.
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Nutrient content: Some organic matter provides nutrients but avoid overly rich soil that retains moisture.
Keeping these requirements in mind will help you pick suitable potting mixes.
Recommended Potting Mixes
Here are some specific potting mixes that work very well for the African Milk Plant:
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Cactus/Succulent Soil: This store-bought blend is tailored for desert plants with its gravelly texture that drains rapidly. It’s usually made from peat, sand, perlite and clay.
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Soilless Mix: Combine equal parts perlite, vermiculite and coconut coir for an ultra-quick draining handmade blend.
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Potting Mix + Perlite/Pumice: Mixing perlite or pumice into regular potting soil at a 2:1 ratio creates a lighter, well-aerated blend.
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Cactus Mix + Compost: For added nutrients, incorporate 20% compost or worm castings into cactus soil.
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Sand + Peat/Coir: Mixing extra-coarse builder’s sand with peat or coir also makes a very gritty, porous blend.
How to Repot with New Soil
Repotting with fresh soil is recommended every 2-3 years as soils can become compacted and depleted of nutrients over time. Follow these steps when repotting your African Milk Plant:
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Water the plant well a day before repotting to moisten and loosen the root ball.
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Carefully remove from its old pot and loosen any circled roots.
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Prune off any dead or damaged roots.
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Fill the new container about 1/3 with prepared potting mix.
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Place the plant in the pot and fill around it with more mix, packing gently.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom drainage holes.
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Allow it to adjust in its new pot for 7-10 days before resuming normal care.
Troubleshooting Common Soil Problems
If your African Milk Plant is struggling, the problem may lie with the soil. Here are some common issues and solutions:
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Drooping leaves: Soil is too wet, repot in a lighter mix.
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Brown leaf tips: Soil is too dry, water more frequently.
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Slow growth: Nutrient deficient soil, add organic fertilizer.
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White crusty deposits: High soluble salt buildup from overfertilizing, repot and leach salts.
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Root rot: Dense, moisture-retentive soil, transition to a faster draining mix.
Adjusting the soil is often the solution when African Milk Plants show signs of unhappiness. Pay close attention to how the soil performs and tweak components as needed.
While the African Milk Plant is highly adaptable, choosing an appropriate potting mix is still vital for it to reach its full potential. Look for lightweight blends that drain rapidly but still offer some moisture retention. Include porous materials like perlite or pumice to prevent compaction and increase aeration. With the right soil, your African Milk Plant will thrive and grow into a stunning, sculptural houseplant.
Arbre à lait africain Entretien des plantes
Exigence déclairage : Plein soleil (lumière directe brillante) et lumière élevée (lumière indirecte brillante)
L’arbre à lait africain aime la lumière solaire vive et indirecte. Ils peuvent supporter un peu de lumière directe du soleil, mais s’il y en a trop, les feuilles seront brûlées. Ils peuvent également bien pousser sous une lumière artificielle, telle que des lampes de culture à LED. Dans l’ensemble, il est préférable de donner aux arbres à lait africains une lumière vive et constante pour les aider à croître sainement et les empêcher de s’étirer ou de s’étioler.
Astuce : Laissez le sol sécher complètement avant d’arroser.
Les arbres à lait africains sont originaires d’Afrique centrale et peuvent atteindre jusqu’à 6 pieds de haut à l’intérieur. Ils ont des tiges vertes et charnues qui n’ont pas besoin de beaucoup d’arrosage. Lorsque vous arrosez votre arbre à lait africain à lintérieur, vous devez laisser le sol sécher complètement entre les arrosages pour empêcher les racines de pourrir à cause de trop deau. Lorsque vous arrosez, faites tremper le sol jusquà ce que leau sorte des trous, puis laissez leau supplémentaire sécouler. Pendant l’hiver, lorsque la croissance ralentit, il est préférable d’arroser légèrement votre arbre à lait africain. Au printemps et en été, lorsque l’arbre grandit, arrosez-le davantage. De plus, ne laissez pas leau pénétrer sur la tige ou les feuilles, car cela pourrait les endommager ou les faire pourrir.
Température préférée : 60º – 85º
Les arbres à lait africains sont originaires des régions tropicales et prospèrent dans les climats chauds. Ils bénéficient de températures diurnes de 65 à 85 °F (18 à 29 °C) et de températures minimales nocturnes de 60 à 70 °F (15 à 21 °C). Alors quune exposition prolongée à des températures supérieures à 90°F (32°C) peut entraîner des coups de soleil et dautres problèmes liés au stress, tandis que des températures inférieures à 50°F (10°C) peuvent nuire à la plante. Pour éviter toute variation susceptible dinfluencer négativement la croissance et la santé de la plante, il est essentiel de maintenir une température constante.
Humidité préférée : 40 à 60 % ; Humidité modérée
Les arbres à lait africains prospèrent mieux dans les endroits avec une humidité modérée, alors gardez lhumidité entre 40 % et 60 %. Vous pouvez le faire en plaçant un bac deau près de la plante ou en utilisant un humidificateur pour ajouter de lhumidité à lair. En outre, il est important de sassurer quil y a une bonne circulation dair autour de votre arbre à lait africain pour empêcher la moisissure et autres bactéries nocives de se développer. Pour ce faire, vous pouvez placer la plante près dun ventilateur ou ouvrir une fenêtre.
How to Grow and Care for African Milk Tree
FAQ
What is the best soil mix for African milk tree?
What is the best planter for African milk tree?
How to repot an African milk plant?
What is the best fertilizer for African milk trees?
How do I choose the right soil type for my African milk tree?
Choosing the right soil type for your African Milk Tree is a crucial step, but don’t fret, it’s simpler than you think. Euphorbia trigona enjoy a well-draining soil mix as this helps to prevent a build-up of moisture in the soil which can lead to root rot.
How do you grow a African milk tree in a pot?
Too much water can cause root rot. Using suitable soil: Fill the pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus or succulent potting mix. This will help keep your plant’s roots dry and healthy. Positioning your plant: Place the African Milk Tree in the center of the new pot and fill it with soil. Pat the soil gently to secure the plant.
How do you grow African milk tree in xeriscape?
Amend heavy clay soil for proper drainage or it may hamper the plant’s growth. Sandy and sandy loam soils help this plant thrive in a xeriscape environment. African milk tree grows best with a soil pH of 6.1 to 7.8. African milk tree doesn’t need much water.
Can you use sand to grow African milk trees?
Use a well-draining soil mix with a lot of sand for your African milk tree. Garden centers supply bagged mixes that are specific for succulents and cacti, but you can also make your own. To make your own soil mix, combine: The sand will help the water drain away easily and the peat moss will retain enough moisture for the plants’ roots.