Where to Buy African Milk Plant: Finding the Best Source

African milk plant, scientifically known as Euphorbia trigona, is gaining popularity as an easy-to-care-for houseplant Its unique triangular stems and interesting foliage make it stand out from other houseplants If you’re looking to add an African milk plant to your home, you’re probably wondering where you can buy one. I’ve done some research on the best places to purchase these statement-making succulents, so keep reading for my recommendations!

Nurseries and Garden Centers

A great place to start your search is at your local nurseries and garden centers. Many of them carry a selection of trendy houseplants, like the African milk plant. The advantage of purchasing from a physical store is that you can see and choose the exact plant you want. Look for specimens with healthy foliage and no signs of pests or disease. Reputable nurseries also employ knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions you have about caring for your new plant.

Some things to keep in mind when buying from a nursery:

• Selection may be limited based on what is in stock.

• Plants are often smaller juveniles rather than mature specimens.

• Prices are generally higher than buying online.

• You’ll need to transport the plant home carefully.

Popular national chains like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Walmart are reasonably priced options for African milk plants. I’ve also had great luck at local independent nurseries. Ask the staff when they expect shipments of new plants to maximize your chances of finding an African milk plant.

Online Stores

Purchasing plants online opens up many more possibilities for finding an African milk plant. Online plant stores have the advantage of offering wider selections, mature plants, and lower prices compared to physical nurseries. Large online retailers like Amazon and Etsy also sell African milk plants.

When ordering plants online, pay close attention to:

• Plant size – Look at the description and photos for dimensions.

• Plant condition – Choose plants labeled as “healthy” or “pest-free.”

• Shipping costs – Factor these into the total cost.

• Shipping method – Select expedited shipping if possible.

• Return policy – Only buy from stores that allow plant returns.

• Reviews – Read feedback from previous buyers.

Some of my favorite online shops for African milk plants include:

• Steve’s Leaves – This California-based store has high quality plants, plus helpful plant care information on their website.

• The Sill – A trendy plant boutique with beautiful photos and thorough plant descriptions.

• Bloomscape – Offers convenient monthly subscription deliveries of healthy plants.

• Etsy – Search for sellers with 5-star reviews and photos of actual inventory.

• Josh’s Frogs – A frog-themed shop with low prices and great customer service.

No matter where you choose to order from online, always look at real buyer reviews and shop photos to get a sense of plant size and condition.

Big Box Stores

Large retail chains like Walmart, Target, and IKEA also stock houseplants, often at very low prices. This can be a budget-friendly option for buying an African milk plant. However, plants may not always be in the best condition at some big box stores. Properly caring for succulents like the African milk plant requires specific growing conditions and attentive watering that busy retail stores don’t always provide.

Before purchasing an African milk plant from a mass retailer, inspect it closely for:

• Wilting, yellowing, or brown leaves

• Signs of pests like mealybugs or scale

• Root bound or pot-bound plants

• Dry, shriveled stems

• Stunted new growth

As long as the plant looks healthy, a big box store can be a smart place to buy an African milk plant on a budget. Just be prepared to nurse it back to health if needed. Also, check return policies in case your new plant doesn’t make it.

Specialty Succulent Shops

For the widest selection of African milk plants, I recommend shopping at a specialty succulent store. These businesses focus exclusively on cacti and succulents, so they offer the best range of varieties, sizes, and prices. Specialty succulent shops are also run by experts who can help you pick the perfect plant and advise on care.

The downside is that specialty succulent stores are harder to find than standard nurseries, as they tend to be small local businesses. Search for “succulent shop” or “cactus store” in your area. Or visit these popular online succulent stores:

• Mountain Crest Gardens – A family-owned succulent nursery in California.

• Succulents Depot – Sells unique succulents at wholesale prices.

• Rare Succulents – Specializes in hard-to-find succulent varieties.

• Altman Plants – Supplies landscapers and retailers with succulents.

For the ultimate selection of healthy, vibrant African milk plants, a specialty succulent store is my number one recommendation.

Local Plant Swaps

Don’t overlook plant swapping as a way to find an African milk plant! Check Facebook or Meetup.com for plant swap groups in your city. These are free events where gardeners trade cuttings from their own collections. It’s a fun way to get new plants, and you may discover rare or hard-to-find varieties.

I’ve found dozens of cool succulents, including African milk plant, at my local plant swap. Tips for finding African milk plants:

• Let people know the specific plants you’re looking for.

• Bring intriguing plants to trade. Popular houseplants get snapped up fast!

• Arrive early before rare plants are taken.

• Offer to take cuttings if you see an African milk plant you like.

Connecting with other gardeners is a rewarding way to get new plants for free. Definitely try your local plant swap if you’re hoping to add an African milk plant to your collection.

Propagating from a Friend

Begging a cutting from a friend or family member is one of the easiest ways to get an African milk plant for free. These plants propagate readily from stem cuttings. So if you know someone who already has one, ask politely if they’d share a cutting. Then you can root the stems and grow new plants for free.

When taking cuttings:

• Select stems at least 4 inches long.

• Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners.

• Remove lower leaves and allow cuts to dry 3-5 days.

• Root in potting mix and water sparingly.

• Transplant to soil after roots form.

Starting African milk plants from cuttings of a mature, healthy plant ensures vigorous growth. Reaching out to your network is a smart place to begin your search.

Where NOT to Buy African Milk Plants

While you have lots of great options for finding an African milk plant, there are a few places I suggest avoiding:

• Unknown online sellers – Stick with reputable stores with plenty of reviews.

• International sellers – Importing plants risks pests, disease, and legality issues.

• Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace – Quality and seller reputation are uncertain.

• Wild-collected plants – Uprooting African milk plants from their native habitat in Africa is illegal.

• Big box stores with sickly plants – Don’t waste money on plants you’ll just have to rehab.

As long as you purchase from one of the recommended sources above, you should have no trouble finding a happy, healthy African milk plant to bring home. Just be wary of unverified sellers or sketchy sources. Do your homework to pick a trustworthy plant provider.

Choosing the Right African Milk Plant for You

Once you’ve decided where to buy your African milk plant, take time to pick out just the right one. Here are some things to look for:

• Full, plump leaves – Avoid wrinkled or shriveled foliage.

• Firm, upright stems – Steer clear of limp, bending stems.

• Established roots – Check that roots fill the pot, not just soil.

• Compact shape – Look for plants wider than tall to prevent toppling.

• Vibrant color – Seek leaves with a lush green hue.

• Signs of new growth – Smaller leaves indicate an actively growing plant.

• Mature size – Bigger is not always better. Select a plant that suits your space.

• Pest-free – Examine closely for bugs or webbing on the stems and leaves.

Taking the time to carefully choose a healthy, well-formed African milk plant will give you the best chance of success. Pay close attention to the signs of vigor described above.

Bringing Your New Plant Home

You found the perfect African milk plant – great job! Now it’s time to get it safely