African Milk Tree

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra')

African Milk Tree is a bold, upright succulent that adds instant height and structure to bright indoor spaces. Its branching, candelabra form creates a clean, modern look that feels like living sculpture in a pot. With fast-draining soil and a dry break between waterings, it stays low-fuss and dependable. When given strong light, the stems and small leaves can deepen into richer red to purple tones for even more visual impact.

Distinctive Features

This Euphorbia forms thick, triangular stems with small spines along the ridges and a naturally upright, branching habit. In bright light, the 'Rubra' form can show red to burgundy coloring in the stems and new growth, while lower light often shifts it toward greener tones. Small leaves appear along the edges and may drop as the plant matures or during slower growth periods. Flowers are small and inconspicuous and are uncommon indoors, so the main appeal is the strong architectural form and color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Bright light is best, including several hours of gentle direct sun if acclimated.
• Soil: Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix in a pot with drainage.
• Water: Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out well before watering again, watering less in winter.
• USDA Zones: 9 to 11 outdoors, and grown as a houseplant anywhere.
• Mature Size: About 6 to 9 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide in containers, with size controlled by pot and pruning.
• Habit: Upright, columnar, branching form with a candelabra-like silhouette.

Ideal Uses

• Bright Indoor Statement: Place near a sunny window to add vertical structure and a modern, sculptural look.
• Floor Plant: Use as a tall accent in living rooms and offices where a clean silhouette is the goal.
• Minimalist Decor: Pair with simple pots and neutral interiors for a sharp, architectural finish.
• Warm-Climate Planting: Use outdoors in mild regions as a drought-tolerant accent in fast-draining beds.
• Focal Point: Feature a single plant in a clean container where the branching form becomes the main visual anchor.
• Entry and Corner Placement: Fill empty corners with height and structure without adding visual clutter.

Low Maintenance Care

• Drainage: Keep roots dry between waterings, since soggy soil is the fastest way to cause decline.
• Light Adjustment: Increase light gradually if stems stretch or color fades, and avoid sudden changes that can scorch growth.
• Pruning: Prune to shape and control height, and allow cut surfaces to dry before watering.
• Handling: Wear gloves and avoid sap contact, since the milky latex can irritate skin and eyes.
• Cold Protection: Protect from frost and move containers indoors before temperatures drop too low.

Why Choose African Milk Tree?

• Architectural Form: Upright, branching structure delivers a strong modern look with minimal styling effort.
• Bold Color Potential: Strong light can bring out richer red to purple tones in stems and new growth.
• Low Water Needs: Dry-tolerant habits make care simple and forgiving once established.
• Space Efficient: Narrow footprint adds height without taking over the room.
• Easy to Maintain: Pruning and container size let you keep it at the scale that fits your space.
• Resilient Presence: Tough, durable growth makes it a reliable statement plant in bright conditions.

If you want a tall, sculptural succulent that looks designed and stays manageable with a simple routine, African Milk Tree is an excellent choice. Give it bright light, fast drainage, and time to dry between waterings, and it will reward you with strong form and rich color that elevates the space.