The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is native to Central Africa. This plant looks a lot like a cactus—hence its nicknames: candelabra cactus, cathedral cactus, friendship cactus, and good luck cactus—but it is actually a succulent plant. It features triangular stems, with three distinct sides seamed with ridges. The ridges are peppered with thorns and teardrop-shaped leaves. This plant stays lush and green throughout its growing season, with new growth sprouting a light green hue.
Like a cactus, the African milk tree is a long-lived plant that grows vigorously, approximately 1 to 2 feet a year up to 9 feet tall. It is often grown as a hedge due to its rapid and enthusiastic growth. When grown indoors, this plant will only grow to about half of its maximum height.
With their sculptural leaves and modern vibe, African milk plants make a fabulous addition to both home and office spaces. To keep them looking their best, it’s important to feed these striking plants properly. Follow this guide on fertilizing African milk plants to help your plant thrive.
Getting to Know the African Milk Plant
The African milk plant, also called Euphorbia trigona, is native to tropical Africa. They have succulent, triangular green leaves on branches that emerge from a thick central stem. The white sap that oozes from cut leaves contains toxins and can irritate skin.
African milk plants grow slowly indoors, reaching 1-3 feet tall and wide They enjoy bright, indirect light and average room temperatures around 65-80°F Allow soil to dry out some between waterings.
Do Fertilize Lightly in the Growing Season
Like all plants, African milk plants need essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to fuel photosynthesis,build strong stems, and produce lush foliage.
Fertilizing lightly every 2-4 weeks from spring through summer will provide a nutrient boost when plants are in active growth mode.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer like:
- Fish emulsion
- Seaweed extract
- Compost tea
Application tips:
- Dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength before applying.
- Pour into the soil around the base, not directly on leaves.
- Water deeply after to wash nutrients down to roots.
Don’t Fertilize in Winter
African milk plants grow slowly or rest during fall and winter months as light levels decrease. Fertilizing during this time can harm plants.
Excess salts and minerals from fertilizers build up in the soil since plants are not actively absorbing nutrients. These can burn tender roots.
Hold off fertilizing from late fall through winter, resuming again when you see new growth in spring. Your plant will let you know when it needs nutrients again!
Do Use Organic Slow-Release Fertilizer
Dry organic fertilizers like granular chicken manure or plant meal provide a slow, steady feeding over many months.
Sprinkle slow-release fertilizer over the soil surface around your African milk plant in early spring. The nutrients break down gradually with each watering.
Benefits of organic slow-release fertilizer:
- Provides a constant nutrient source all season.
- Impossible to over-fertilize.
- Improves soil structure.
- Enhances moisture retention.
Reapply every 2-3 months following label directions during the growing season for steady feeding.
Don’t Use Synthetic Quick-Release Fertilizers
Common synthetic fertilizers like Miracle-Gro provide an instant nutrient hit but can easily burn plants’ tender roots and leaves if overapplied.
The excess nitrogen and salts build up quickly since plants can’t absorb the nutrients fast enough. This causes fertilizer burn.
Avoid frequent applications of quick-release fertilizers. At most, use once a month at half strength in the growing season if you choose to use them.
Do Watch for Signs of Deficiencies
Pay attention to your African milk plant’s leaves to catch nutrient deficiencies early. Symptoms include:
- Yellow lower leaves
- Brown leaf tips
- Stunted growth
- Loss of leaves
Target fertilizers to treat specific deficiencies. For example, nitrogen-rich fertilizer corrects pale leaves, while iron chelates cure yellowing between leaf veins.
Only use deficiency fertilizers as needed, switching back to a balanced formula when the problem resolves.
Don’t Fertilize a Stressed Plant
Wait until your African milk plant is happy and actively growing before fertilizing. Feeding plants stressed by drought, pests, or other issues will further damage them.
Signs your plant is stressed:
- Wilting or drooping
- Unusual spotting/discoloration
- Minimal new growth
Correct any underlying problems first. Then you can feed your plant to help it recover once growing normally again.
Do Follow Label Directions Carefully
More isn’t better when it comes to fertilizer. Use it at the manufacturer’s recommended strength and frequency to prevent buildup and burning your plants.
Factors that determine fertilizer strength:
- Plant age and size
- Time of year
- Active growth vs. dormancy
- Organic vs. synthetic
Remember, you can always dilute if concerned about burning delicate plants like African milk trees. Start conservatively!
Don’t Fertilize a New Plant Too Soon
Wait a few weeks to months until new plants settle in before beginning a fertilizing regimen. Their roots are easily damaged when adjusting to a new environment.
Signs your new plant is ready for fertilizer:
- Putting out new growth.
- Leaf color looks normal and vibrant.
- Established root system (has been potted for 3-4 months.)
Go slowly with quarter-strength applications spaced 2-3 weeks apart at first.
Do Flush the Soil Occasionally
To prevent the accumulation of fertilizer salts over time, leach the soil every few months.
Flushing the soil means:
- Watering the plant until water drains freely from the pot’s bottom holes.
- Repeating 2-3 times, allowing the pot to drain fully between.
Flushing dissolves salts and drains away excess mineral buildup left behind by fertilizers.
Don’t Fertilize More Than Needed
African milk plants are light feeders. Too much fertilizer can build up and burn their roots and leaves.
Some signs you may be over-fertilizing:
- White mineral crust on the soil surface
- Brown leaf tips
- Sudden leaf yellowing or browning
The best approach is to stick to a “less is more” philosophy. You can always increase strength or frequency later on if plants show hunger signs.
Do Use Common Sense
While recommendations help guide your fertilizing routine, learn to read your plant’s needs as you care for it over time.
If your African milk plant grows strong and has lush green leaves at the current fertilizing routine, don’t mess with success!
Adjust if you notice deficiency signs or toxicity. But if your plant looks fabulous already, you’ve found the perfect feeding schedule.
Fertilizing Made Simple
Proper fertilizing keeps African milk plants looking their vibrant best, while overdoing it can harm them. Focus on light feeding with organic sources during the active growing period.
Ease off fertilizing over winter and flush salts from the soil occasionally. Follow label instructions to avoid toxicity. Your plants will reward you with robust health.
Soil
This succulent isnt fussy about its soil. Still, good drainage conditions are essential. Amend heavy clay soil for proper drainage or it may hamper the plants 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.
Potting and Repotting African Milk Tree
Providing ample drainage and not overwatering are important considerations when potting African milk tree. This succulent will do best in a porous clay pot that absorbs excess water. Avoid glazed pots that add to the risk of overwatering. Sandy soil or potting mix formulated specifically for succulents allows for the best water drainage, especially when pumice or perlite is mixed in.
Repot the plant every year or two as it continues to grow taller. This will ensure that theres enough room for the roots to hold it in place (with a little help from stakes). Always wear gloves and note that it may take two people to repot a large plant, assuring a damage-free process.
Euphorbia Trigona (African Milk Tree) Care Guide and Growing Tips
FAQ
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