When it comes to landscaping, size matters – especially when selecting the perfect African milk plant for your outdoor space. With its sculptural shapes and succulent stems, the African milk plant (Euphorbia trigona) makes a striking addition to both small-scale and expansive gardens. This versatile plant comes in a range of sizes, from petite container varieties to towering trees. By choosing the right size plant for your needs, you can enhance your landscape design and create a beautiful botanical focal point. In this article, we’ll walk through how to select the ideal African milk plant by height to complement your yard or garden.
Native to tropical Africa, the African milk plant is a unique succulent that has adapted to hot, arid environments. Also known as the candelabra cactus or African milk tree, this plant features distinctive ridged, triangular green stems dotted with thorns The stems sprout from the base in a candelabra-like form, giving rise to its common name
Despite its cactus-like appearance, the African milk plant is not a true cactus at all It’s actually a spurge, belonging to the Euphorbia genus When damaged, the plant oozes a toxic, milky white sap. So while the African milk plant makes for a striking landscape plant, it’s crucial to site it away from areas frequented by children and pets.
Thanks to its drought tolerance and sculptural silhouette, the African milk plant lends drama and texture to both outdoor and indoor spaces. Let’s look at how its size can impact your landscape design.
Choosing the Right Size African Milk Plant
African milk plants range in height from just a couple feet tall to over 15 feet, depending on the variety. Selecting the appropriate size plant for your garden ensures it will fit the space properly and achieve the desired design impact. Here’s an overview of size options to consider:
Small African milk plants (under 3 feet tall)
- Best for small gardens and containers
- Varieties include ‘Microphylla’ and ‘Royal Red’
- Adds texture without dominating
Medium African milk plants (3 to 6 feet tall)
- Perfect for borders or bed accents
- Includes ‘Black Gem’ and ‘Perrieri’ varieties
- Provides focal point and vertical interest
Large African milk plants (over 6 feet tall)
- Makes a bold statement in large gardens
- Includes Euphorbia ingens (candelabra tree)
- Provides stunning architectural element
Tree-sized African milk plants (over 15 feet tall)
- Grows into a focal tree over time
- Includes Euphorbia ammak (giant candelabra)
- Makes a dramatic living sculpture
Once you know the mature size of the different African milk plant varieties, you can make an informed choice about which one best suits your landscape.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Size
When shopping for an African milk plant, don’t just default to the smallest size—consider the scale of your space and your overall design goals. Here are some key factors to take into account:
Garden size: A petite variety is perfect for a compact courtyard, while a towering candelabra tree makes a statement in a large, open yard. Choose a size that fits proportionately within your landscape.
Placement: Situate larger African milk plants as stand-alone features or backdrops. Use more diminutive varieties to accent borders and beds.
Role: Larger plants act as striking focal points, while smaller ones add texture and contrast. Decide if you want your African milk plant to play a supporting or starring role.
Future growth: Remember, your African milk plant will expand over time. Allow enough space for it to reach maturity without being crowded.
Sun exposure: Larger African milk plants need abundant sunlight to support their growth. Position them accordingly.
Caring for Your African Milk Plant
Once you’ve selected the ideal African milk plant for your landscape, it’s important to care for it properly so it thrives for years to come. Here are some key care tips:
- Site in full sun to partial shade.
- Plant in well-draining soil.
- Water sparingly but deeply.
- Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
- Fertilize a few times during the growing season.
- Prune to shape and remove damaged stems.
- Bring potted plants indoors before first frost.
- Protect from temperatures below 50°F.
Providing the right growing conditions will allow your African milk plant to flourish and fill out its intended size and form. Pay close attention to its watering and sunlight needs.
Achieving an Iconic Candelabra Shape
One of the most coveted qualities of the African milk plant is its iconic, tiered candelabra shape. This form takes some time and pruning to achieve. Here are some tips:
- Start with a young, small plant and allow it to mature.
- Pinch or prune stems to encourage bushy growth.
- As stems lengthen, prune back to outward-facing nodes.
- Remove vertical shoots to accentuate horizontal tiers.
- Maintain open interior space for light penetration.
With patience and proper pruning, you can transform an ordinary African milk plant into a sculptural botanical wonder.
Designing With African Milk Plants
Thanks to their diversity of sizes, African milk plants offer tremendous flexibility in landscape design. Here are some ideas for incorporating these statement-making succulents:
Accent borders or beds: Interplant small varieties amongst perennials for textural contrast.
Highlight hardscape: Flank walkways, patios, or benches with columnar African milk plants.
Add exotic architecture: Use tree-sized varieties as living sculptures within large lawn spaces.
Define outdoor rooms: Cluster medium plants to section off distinct garden “rooms.”
Enhance container gardens: Situate dwarf varieties in colorful pots on decks and patios.
Create focal points: Draw the eye with massive statement plants.
Direct foot traffic: Guide people’s movement with linear groupings.
With the right placement and purpose, African milk plants can transform your landscape into a showstopper.
Discover the Ideal African Milk Plant for You
African milk plants lend altitude, architecture, and allure to gardens both big and small. By selecting the perfect size plant for your specific needs, you can enhance your outdoor space and create a stunning succulent showcase. Before visiting your local nursery, measure your garden area and make note of the look you wish to achieve. With mature heights ranging from just 12 inches to over 15 feet tall, you’re sure to find an African milk plant that fits your space beautifully. Soon you’ll be enjoying a gorgeous, drought-tolerant botanical sculpture that flourishes for years to come.
Common Problems and Prevention:
Overwatering Woes:
The African Milk Tree is resilient, but it doesnt enjoy having soggy roots. To prevent overwatering, check the soil moisture before reaching for the watering can. If in doubt, its better to let it stay dry a little longer than to risk drowning the roots.
Pests and Critters:
Keep an eye out for mealybugs and spider mites, common foes of succulents. Wipe down the leaves regularly, and consider using neem oil to deter these pesky invaders. Quarantine any new plants before introducing them to your African Milk Tree to avoid bringing in unwanted guests.
Sunburn:
Though it loves sunlight, prolonged exposure to intense rays can cause sunburn. Gradually acclimate your plant to increased light levels to prevent scorched leaves. If you notice signs of sunburn, move the plant to a shadier spot and let it recover.
Not a True Cactus:
Despite its cactus-like appearance, the African Milk Tree is not a true cactus. It belongs to the Euphorbia family, a diverse group of succulent and non-succulent plants.
Toxic Latex:
Handle the African Milk Tree with care. It produces a milky latex that can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching it, and keep it away from curious pets.
Dancing in the Wind:
The African Milk Tree is nicknamed the African Milk Tree due to its native habitat and the milky latex it produces. Interestingly, in its natural environment, it sways in the wind, giving it an almost dance-like quality.
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Welcome to the world of succulents, where beauty meets resilience! Among the charismatic characters of the succulent family, the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) stands tall, both literally and figuratively. With its unique appearance and low-maintenance attitude, this plant is a perfect companion for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts.
Light:
The African Milk Tree is a sun-worshipper, craving bright, indirect light. Place it near a sunny window, and watch it thrive. However, be cautious about the scorching afternoon sun, as too much direct sunlight can be harsh on its leaves.
Water:
Succulents are notorious for their ability to withstand drought, and the African Milk Tree is no exception. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, the arch-nemesis of succulents.
Humidity:
Native to arid regions of Africa, this succulent prefers low humidity. Keep it away from excessively humid areas to prevent issues like fungal infections. Adequate airflow will help maintain its health and vibrancy.
Soil:
Well-draining soil is the key to a happy African Milk Tree. Use a cactus mix or create your own blend by adding perlite or sand to standard potting soil. This will ensure proper drainage, preventing waterlogged roots.
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FAQ
Do African milk trees like sun or shade?
Can you trim an African milk tree?
How big do African milk plants get?
Does African milk tree have deep roots?
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 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.
How big does an African milk tree grow?
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.
Do African milk trees bloom outdoors?
Outdoor plants may bloom under the right conditions. Is African milk tree really a “tree?” When grown outdoors, this large succulent can take on its characteristic candelabra shape and grow up to 9 feet tall. For this reason, this plant is sometimes referred to as a “tree.”