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.
African milk plants are a fascinating group of succulent plants known for their unique appearance and milky sap With over 100 different types from various genera, there is an incredible diversity within this plant group In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular varieties of these intriguing plants.
Euphorbia Trigona – The Iconic African Milk Tree
One of the most iconic African milk plants is Euphorbia trigona, commonly known as the African milk tree. This variety is identifiable by its tall, upright growth and angular, triangular stems that resemble a candelabra. The stems have ridges lined with spines and tiny teardrop-shaped leaves.
Euphorbia trigona comes in two main types
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Green variety – Has deep green stems This is the most common type grown
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Euphorbia Trigona Rubra – Features amazing bicolored foliage in shades of green and deep burgundy red.
In the right conditions, Euphorbia trigona can grow up to 10 feet tall. However, when grown as a houseplant, it typically reaches 3-6 feet in height.
Pencil Cactus – The Slender Milk Bush
Another iconic milk plant is Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as pencil cactus or milk bush. True to its name, this variety has slim, pencil-like green stems that can reach over 30 feet tall in its native habitat. However, indoor plants are often under 3 feet tall.
The lime green stems turn reddish in full sun. Tiny leaves may sprout but later fall off as the plant matures. Small yellow flowers bloom in winter. The slender upright growth makes this a striking vertical accent in gardens and containers.
Medusa’s Head – The Creeping Milk Barrel
Euphorbia caput-medusae is a sprawling succulent known for its wild, tentacle-like stems that spread out over the ground. The crooked, medusa head-shaped stems can reach 24 inches long.
The stems emerge from a central woody caudex and are studded with short spines. Tiny round leaves may sprout but later drop off. Greenish-yellow flowers bloom in late winter and spring.
This quirky plant is perfect for cascading over container edges or rock walls. Its low spreading growth to 12-18 inches wide makes it an excellent groundcover.
Crown of Thorns – The Flowering Milkplant
Euphorbia milii, popularly known as crown of thorns, is one of the few African milk plants grown more for its flowers than its unique stems. This shrubby succulent grows up to 3 feet tall with spiny stems lined with oval green leaves.
The real stars are the colorful bracts surrounding tiny flowers that bloom year-round. Flower colors include red, pink, white, yellow, and orange. There are also variegated types with cream and green foliage.
The long flowering period and compact size make Euphorbia milii a perfect choice for containers and mixed succulent plantings.
Candelabra Tree – The Tall Spurge
Euphorbia ingens is another tree-like African milk plant, earning it the common name candelabra tree. This large succulent has a single thick, columnar trunk that branches into multiple arms, creating a triangular silhouette.
The upright stems are deeply ridged and striped in grayish-green. Tiny round leaves appear briefly and fall off. Small green flowers bloom in summer but are not very ornamental.
In its native range, Euphorbia ingens can reach up to 33 feet tall. Container plants are often seen around 6-10 feet tall. The bold architectural shape makes this a stunning standalone specimen.
Rhino Euphorbia – The Horned Spurge
Euphorbia cylindrifolia is a uniquely shaped succulent that resembles a tiny palm tree. Its fat, cylindrical trunk is covered in horn-like thorns arranged in vertical columns, giving rise to its common name rhino euphorbia.
Fan-shaped sprays of lime green foliage appear at the tips of each branch. Tiny white flowers may bloom in summer but they are not the main attraction.
In the wild, rhino euphorbia grows up to 16 feet tall. Indoor plants are usually under 3 feet. The bizarre horned trunk on this succulent is sure to spark conversation.
Elephant Bush – The Dwarf Milk Plant
Portulacaria afra, also known elephant bush or dwarf jade plant, is a small succulent shrub native to South Africa. It forms dense, jade-colored leafy branches only reaching 1-4 feet tall and wide. The tiny round leaves resemble those of crassula ovata.
Small pink flowers may bloom in summer but are not very notable. The tiny size, easy care, and lush foliage make Portulacaria afra perfect for containers, bonsai, and succulent groundcovers. It also works great in fairy gardens.
While not a true euphorbia, Portulacaria afra shares a similar appearance and milky sap with other African milk plants.
Discovery Awaits
This overview just skims the surface of the amazing diversity found in African milk plants. There are over 100 Euphorbia species and even more plants in related genera.
From quirky medusa heads to towering candelabras, African milk plants offer a succulent for every style. If you’re looking for an unusual houseplant that is sure to be a conversation piece, consider bringing one of these fascinating milk plants into your home.
Propagating African Milk Tree
African milk tree propagates easily from cuttings. Due to the plants toxicity, use proper protective gear when propagating—like heavy gloves—and wash your hands immediately if you get the milky sap on your skin.
Heres how to propagate African milk tree from cuttings:
- Gather a sharp knife or hand pruners, alcohol wipes, a 4-inch container with potting medium, and coarse gravel.
- Sterilize the blades of your knife or scissors with alcohol, and then cut off one of the plants “arms” at its base.
- Rinse the arm with cold running water until it stops oozing.
- Let the arm sit in a dry spot on a paper towel, out of direct sunlight, for five to seven days, allowing the cut tip to callus over. (Note: Many growers bypass the callus stage and put the cutting directly into the soil. Root growth should occur within three weeks using this method, but it also makes the plant susceptible to root rot.)
- Once the callus has formed, plant the arm in your container so that the end sits about an inch below the soil.
- Add a layer of gravel on top of the soil to help keep the cutting upright.
- Place the pot in a warm area with sufficient light and a temperature between 65 and 75 F, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should root within two months.
- As soon as you see root growth, transplant the plant into a slightly larger, 6-inch pot.
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.
54 VARIETIES OF EUPHORBIA + CARE AND TIPS | HERB STORIES
FAQ
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