African Milk Tree Indoors

African milk trees are bright light plants and worship the sun and require at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. While they will tolerate partial shade and indirect light you will find they thrive in a bright sunny location. Sunny, south facing windows usually allow for the best lighting.

Can Euphorbia grow indoors?

Euphorbia are plants that want warmth; south- or west-facing windows are the best place for them inside (four or more hours of direct sun shining on the plant), though they can also be grown in very bright indirect light.

How do you care for an indoor milk cactus?

When it comes to growing and caring for the African milk tree, it's all about watering sparingly, keeping bugs away, and fertilizing.

1. Choose a terracotta or clay pot.
2. Use well-draining soil. ...
3. Give the plant ample sunlight and air circulation. ...
4. Water sparingly. ...
5. Keep an eye out for pests and disease.

Can African milk tree grow outside?

If you live in a region that experiences below freezing temperatures, you'll need to bring your African milk tree indoors during the winter. For those living in warm enough climates, Euphorbia trigona will happily grow outdoors where it can get lots of direct sun.

How often should African milk tree be watered?

Be sure to check whether the soil of your Milk tree is dry before you water your plant. This will generally take a little longer during the winter. On average, you'll water your plant every 2-3 weeks.

Is African milk tree a succulent?

African milk tree care is super straightforward and rewarding. Although this plant may look like a cactus, it's actually a succulent and is very easy to grow. Below is everything you need to know about growing the African milk tree, otherwise known as euphorbia trigona.

How long does an African milk tree live?

Another interesting use of the African Milk Tree is in tropical Africa, where this plant is used ceremonially and is planted as part of some rituals. African Milk Trees can live to a very old age. They've even been known to still be able to flower at 60 years old!

Should you mist indoor cactus?

No, it's never a good idea to spray a cactus with water. They have very low humidity needs, and moisture left sitting on them can cause rot and other diseases.

Why is my African milk tree turning brown?

Curled leaves and dried brown edges are the result of too little water and over-exposure to the sun. Although this species can naturally do well in sun-filled locations, those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays will show signs of sun-scorch and environmental shock.

How poisonous is African milk tree?

African Milk Trees are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. Some people experience skin irritation when handling the sap.

Can you propagate African milk tree in water?

It should not be rooted in water or it will rot. To propagate this plant, you can take a stem cutting in late spring or early summer. Protect your skin and eyes when making cuttings, as the sap can cause irritation or an allergic reaction to some people.

When should I repot my African milk tree?

The African milk tree likes full sun and requires little water. If you're growing the plant in a container, plan to repot it once every two or three years, preferably in the spring.

How cold can African milk tolerate?

African milk trees are quite tolerant to heat but won't survive cold temperatures below 41 F (5 C). In very hot places, the plant should be shielded from the sun during the hottest hours. If temperatures don't go below 55 F (13 C), you can keep Euphorbia trigona outside.

Why is my African Milk Tree turning purple?

This is part of the natural life cycle of the African Milk Tree. Also, if your plant is looking happy and healthy but turning a light purple-reddish color, you likely have the euphorbia trigona 'rubra' variety which produces the color from the more sun it gets.

Can I cut the top off African milk plant?

Your plant is called a Euphorbia Trigona, also called an African Milk Tree or Cathedral Cactus. It looks like a cactus but really isn't one. It is a deciduous succulent from western Africa. You can't trim any of the stems, but you can totally remove some to make the plant more manageable.

Do African milk trees lose their leaves in winter?

Natural leaf cycle can result in leaf drop. If you have noticed that your African Milk Tree is starting to lose leaves during autumn and winter, then this might simply be part of the natural growth cycle. African Milk Trees commonly drop quite a lot of their leaves during the dormant period to preserve energy.

Do you water cactus from the top or bottom?

BOTTOM WATERING

• Fill the plant tray with water.
• Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray.
• Wait for about 10 minutes.
• Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray.
• If it's still dry —> add more water to the tray.

Where is the best place for an indoor cactus?

Cacti and succulents thrive with good light sources, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. A south facing position will provide good sunlight. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow colour.

How can I tell if my cactus needs water?

It's not difficult to check if the soil is dry. The easiest way is to simply stick your finger in the pot. Make sure you go down at least two inches (often times the surface can be dry when the dirt underneath isn't). If it feels wet, damp, or even a little colder than the surface – don't water.

Is African milk tree poisonous to humans?

Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the pencil cactus or milk bush plant, is used extensively for ornamental purposes in the southern United States and contains a toxic sap to humans.