African Milk Plants, also known by their botanical name Euphorbia trigona, are wildly popular houseplants. With their unique treelike stems and easy care reputation, it’s no wonder they grace so many homes But when those lovely leaves start curling, panic can set in
Luckily, curled leaves are usually an easy fix. In this beginner’s guide we’ll explore all the common causes solutions, and care tips to get your plant back to its beautiful self in no time.
What’s Causing the Curls?
When African Milk Plant leaves curl under, it’s typically a sign that something in its environment needs adjustment. Here are some of the most likely culprits:
Under or Overwatering
Too much or too little water is one of the most common causes of leaf curl in houseplants. African Milk Plants like evenly moist soil, so aim to water when the top inch becomes dry. Either extreme can cause issues:
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Underwatering leads to dried out, curling leaves as the plant struggles to absorb moisture.
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Overwatering can rot the roots, preventing the plant from taking up water and nutrients properly.
Check soil moisture before watering and adjust frequency based on your climate and season.
Temperature Stress
Temperature extremes can also cause leaves to curl. African Milk Plants prefer temperatures between 60-80°F. If your plant is exposed to cold drafts or hot sunlight, the leaves may curl in an effort to conserve moisture.
Keep your plant in an area with stable temps and out of direct sun to prevent heat stress. If cooler weather is the issue, consider moving it away from drafty windows and doors.
Low Humidity
African Milk Plants naturally grow in the humid tropics, so dry indoor air can be a challenge. When humidity is too low, the leaves may curl and crisp around the edges as moisture evaporates.
Increase humidity by misting regularly or using a pebble tray. A humidifier nearby can also help keep those moisture-loving leaves happy.
Pests
Don’t forget to check for pests! Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs love to munch on houseplants. As they feed on the leaves and sap, it can cause curling, yellowing, browning, and other issues.
Look closely at the undersides of leaves and stems for any webbing, honeydew, cottony masses, speckling damage or bugs. Treat infestations immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Reviving Curling Leaves
Once you’ve identified the likely cause, take action to get your African Milk Plant back to its beautiful self. Here are some tips:
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Adjust watering frequency based on soil dryness. Water deeply until it drains out the bottom, then wait for the top inch to dry before watering again.
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Move plant to an area with proper temperature and light conditions. Avoid direct sun and excessive heat.
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Increase humidity through misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier.
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Treat any pests with insecticidal soap, neem oil or other organic treatments. Remove damaged leaves.
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Consider repotting in fresh, well-draining soil if you suspect root issues.
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Prune off any dead or damaged leaves, which can conserve the plant’s energy.
Within a few weeks of adjusting its care, your African Milk Plant’s leaves should uncurl and it will regain its vibrancy. Just stay vigilant going forward to keep proper conditions consistent.
Preventing Future Leaf Curling
While curling leaves are common, there are steps you can take to prevent issues down the road:
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Allow soil to dry out partially between waterings, and always dump out excess water in saucers after 30 minutes. This prevents soggy soil.
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Keep plant away from heat vents, hot windows and drafts to maintain ideal temperatures.
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Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as additives in tap water can build up and cause leaf burn.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in the growing season to keep plants lush and healthy.
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Inspect regularly for pests and address any signs immediately before infestations take hold. Quarantine new plants.
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Consider using a moisture meter to take the guesswork out of watering needs.
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Rotate plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.
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Keep plant away from cold windows and drafts in winter when humidity is lower.
Ideal Growing Conditions
When all aspects of your African Milk Plant’s care are properly dialed in, you can prevent many issues like leaf curl from occurring. Here are its preferred growing conditions:
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Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct hot sun.
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Water: Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry. Allow to drain fully.
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Temperature: Ideal range is 60-80°F. Avoid extremes.
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Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity. Increase through pebble trays and misting.
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Soil: Well-draining potting mix. Allow to dry out slightly between waterings.
Get these fundamentals right from the start, and you and your African Milk Plant will be off to a great relationship! Monitor its needs, make adjustments as the seasons change, and enjoy its unique beauty for years to come.
Common African Milk Plant Care Questions
Why are the stems long and leggy?
Leggy growth can mean your plant needs more sunlight. Rotate it to ensure even light exposure, or move to a brighter location.
How can I encourage bushier growth?
Prune leggy stems just above leaf nodes to encourage branching and fullness. You can root pruned stems to propagate new plants!
What are the little “warts” on the stems?
These brownish bumps are natural latex that the plant produces. They are totally normal and help distinguish it from other Euphorbia.
When should I repot my African Milk Plant?
Repot in spring every 2-3 years when roots fill out the container. Use a pot just one size larger to avoid overpotting.
Why are lower leaves falling off?
Older leaves naturally drop as the plant grows taller. As long as newer growth looks healthy, this is normal. Just trim off any yellowed leaves.
With the right care, African Milk Plants will flourish for years as low maintenance houseplants. By understanding what causes leaves to curl and how to fix it, you can catch issues early and help your plant put its best leaves forward!
Why are the leaves on my African Milk Tree mushy and yellow?
Leaves are yellowing and soft, particularly around the base.
The most likely culprit is overwatering and initial signs of root rot. When a plants roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long, a fungal infection can quickly take over, causing the roots to rotâturning brown and mushy.
First, ensure that your plant has appropriate drainage (both in terms of a well-draining soil and plenty of drainage holes in the plants container).
If you think youve caught the overwatering early on, you can simply let the plant dry out more than you have been. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Continue monitoring and only water when needed. You may also try using chopsticks (or something similar) to poke holes in the soil to help the roots get more oxygen. And finally, you can try to “wick” the excess moisture out of the soil by placing the whole pot (with drainage holes) in a tray or container with dry soil. This new layer of dry soil should soak up some of the excess moisture from the waterlogged areas around your plants roots.
However, if you suspect a serious case of root rot, youll definitely need to take a peak at the roots by removing the plant entirely from their container. If there are any black and mushy roots, trim them back completely before repotting with fresh soil in a new or sterilized container.
Why are the leaves on my African Milk Tree flat and shriveled?
Leaves are flat or shriveled, but not soft or yellowing.
Wrinkling or shriveling of leaves is often a sign of dehydration from either too much light or not enough water. If accompanied by softness or yellowing, this is more likely a sign of not enough light or too much water.
The key is a well tuned balance between the amount of light and your frequency of watering. Instead of going by a set schedule, check-in with your plant to see if they need the water or not. Youll want to allow around half the soil to dry out completely before watering again. While this may be on a consistent schedule for some months, as the seasons change, so will the amount of light and therefore your watering schedule must shift.
Euphorbia Trigona (African Milk Tree) Care Guide and Growing Tips
FAQ
How do you fix curling leaves on plants?
How often should I water an African milk plant?
Why are leaves curling on African violet?
Why are my African milk tree leaves curling?
Monitor the environment your African Milk Tree is in, and check the potting mix to see if the roots look healthy and this should help you establish the cause of the curling leaves. If watering is the issue, increasing how much water you give your African Milk Tree each time should reduce the occurrence of curling leaves.
Why is my African milk tree turning yellow?
In this case, you will likely need to dispose of your plant entirely. One of the most common problems with African milk tree is yellowing leaves. Even with the slightest bit of improper care, the leaves on your plant can change shade and fall off. The culprit is usually overwatering, underwatering, or cold temperatures.
Why are my African milk tree leaves falling off?
It is totally normal for your African Milk Tree’s leaves to fall off, it’s simply the natural process of the plant ageing. They will regrow quickly so don’t worry! Why is my African Milk Tree brown and soft? If the stems of your African Milk Tree are soft and brown then this indicates that your plant has been overwatered.
Why is my African milk tree soft and brown?
If the stems of your African Milk Tree are soft and brown then this indicates that your plant has been overwatered. Replace the potting mix if waterlogged and cut back on how much you water your plant moving forward. Why is my African Milk Tree dry?