Euphorbia trigona, commonly known as the African Milk Tree, is a striking succulent that adds height and structure to your plant collection with its bold, architectural shape. Featuring upright, columnar stems with a triangular cross-section, this plant has ridged edges lined with small spines and dotted with teardrop-shaped green leaves that grow neatly along the ridges. Its sculptural form makes it a beautiful statement piece for bright rooms, conservatories, or sunny indoor corners, bringing a touch of the desert into your living space.
Native to Central Africa, Euphorbia trigona thrives in bright, indirect light and can handle some direct sunlight, especially when gradually acclimatised to brighter conditions. Its vibrant green colouring and strong vertical growth make it an excellent option for those looking to add a dramatic plant to their home without high-maintenance care requirements. This succulent prefers a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent compost and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot, while its drought-tolerant nature means it can easily cope with infrequent watering.
Ideal temperatures for Euphorbia trigona are between 18–26°C, and it should be protected from frost, making it best suited for indoor cultivation in the UK. During the spring and summer, a light monthly feed with diluted cactus fertiliser can support healthy growth, though this is optional if the plant is already in good quality soil.
