African Milk Tree / Cathedral Cactus

Euphorbia trigona

description

African Milk Tree is a tall branching succulent with triangular stems and irritating milky sap.

benefits

Low—water tolerant
Сan handle lower humidity level
Drought-tolerant — forgives missed waterings
Low maintenance
Suitable for containers

warnings

Toxic to cats
Toxic to dogs

How to care for African Milk Tree

sunlight

In central Africa, African Milk Tree grows in bright, open conditions. Give it the sunniest spot you have indoors, with a little time to adjust before it meets strong direct rays.

Bright indirect light

Place it close to an east, west, or bright south-facing window. This is a good starting point for plants newly brought indoors or moved from lower light.

Direct sun

Several hours of gentle morning or late-afternoon sun suits an established plant. Introduce stronger sun gradually over 1-2 weeks, especially in summer, to prevent pale, scorched patches.

Rotate the pot every few weeks so the stems grow evenly instead of leaning toward the window.

watering

Let the potting mix dry out completely before watering again. Then water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage hole, and empty the saucer.

Spring and summer

During active growth, this is often about every 2-4 weeks indoors. Check that the mix is dry all the way down and the pot feels light, rather than watering by the calendar.

Autumn and winter

In cooler, lower-light conditions, water roughly every 4-8 weeks, only after the root ball has dried fully. A warm, bright spot, small terracotta pot, or gritty mix will dry faster than a large plastic pot in shade.

Use a wooden skewer or moisture probe near the pot's base if you are unsure whether the center is dry.

Wet soil is the main risk. Persistent moisture can rot the roots and make stems soft or yellow.

humidity

Relative humidity

30-50%

African Milk Tree handles typical indoor air well. Aim for average household humidity, roughly 30-50%, with good airflow. It does not need regular misting, and persistently humid, stagnant air can encourage rot.

Keep it away from heating vents rather than trying to humidify it.

Exceptionally dry, hot air may contribute to slight stem wrinkling or dry brown tips. Check the soil first: wrinkling is more often a sign that the plant needs water than a need for higher humidity.

temperature

Preferred range

18-27°C (65-80°F)

Winter minimum

10°C (50°F)

Native to warm, dry parts of Africa, African Milk Tree is happiest in steady indoor warmth. It handles hot summer rooms well with bright light and airflow, but cool, damp conditions can lead to stress and rot.

Keep it away from cold window glass and exterior doors, especially overnight in winter.

Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or sudden cold drafts can damage the stems.

nutrition

March - August

Feed about once a month while it is actively growing, using a cactus and succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop feeding in autumn and winter, or whenever growth has slowed in cool, low-light conditions.

Nitrogen

Supports steady stem growth and healthy green color. A diluted, balanced cactus fertilizer provides enough without encouraging soft, weak growth.

Potassium

Supports sturdy growth and general resilience. It is supplied by most complete cactus fertilizers, so extra supplements are rarely needed.

Apply fertilizer to already-moist soil, not dry roots, and flush the pot with plain water if a white crust builds up on the soil.

soil

Gritty, fast-draining soil

Its succulent roots need air around them and should never sit wet. Use a cactus mix loosened with about one-third pumice, perlite, or coarse grit, in a pot with a drainage hole.

pH 6,0 - 7,0

This is slightly acidic to neutral, a range most ready-made cactus mixes provide. Avoid heavily limed or water-retentive garden soil, which can hold too much moisture around the roots.

Choose a pot only a little wider than the root ball so excess soil dries promptly.