SKU: 31323293862
african milk tree succulent

african milk tree succulent African Milk Tree

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Description

african milk tree succulent African Milk TreeIntroducing the stunning African milk tree, known as Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', the perfect addition to any collection of Euphorbias. The African milk tree is named after its white, milky sap, which is of African origin and is referred to as a "milk tree." The African milk tree has many other common names, such as the Royal Red, the Abyssinian Euphorbia, and the High Chaparral. Though this euphorbia plant also goes by the names "candelabra cactus,"

Introducing the stunning African milk tree, known as Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', the perfect addition to any collection of EuphorbiasThe African milk tree is named after its white, milky sap, which is of African origin and is referred to as a "milk tree."

The African milk tree has many other common names, such as the Royal Red, the Abyssinian Euphorbia, and the High Chaparral. Though this euphorbia plant also goes by the names "candelabra cactus," "cathedral cactus," "friendship cactus," and "good luck cactus." This red Euphorbia milk tree is actually a succulent plant, despite looking a lot like a cactus.

The Rubra or Royal Red variety is well known for its vibrant Euphorbia cactus color, which develops late in the growing season.

African milk bush has a long lifespan and grows quickly, gaining 1 to 2 feet per year and reaching a height of 9 feet in just 3-5 years. When grown indoors, however, this African milk tree will only reach approximately half of its maximum height.

The African milk tree has branches that resemble three-winged angles and are covered in leaves and short, prickly spines. Euphorbia rubra has a vibrant purple-red color on its stem and leaves, while Euphorbia trigona has a bronzish hue. Its red teardrop-shaped leaves last for one or two seasons and can be propagated for a more impressive hedge or houseplant collection.

The flowers of the African Milk Tree are typically green or yellow in color and are surrounded by colorful bracts. It's actually quite rare for it to produce flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, however, this Euphorbia trigona rubra can produce small, inconspicuous flowers during the spring and summer months. 

When and How to Water Your African Milk Tree

The African milk tree is a drought-tolerant succulent that stores water in its fleshy stems, making it well adapted to dry environments. In the spring and summer, during the active growing season, Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' should be watered every 10 to 14 days, Go to soil-cactus-mix-blend-1-gal-4-qt-cacti-succulent-dirt-compost-growing-media Green African Milk Tree or whenever the top 1–2 inches of soil feels completely dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, but always allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

In the fall and winter months, when the plant enters dormancy, watering should be reduced to once every 3 to 4 weeks, or even less if the indoor environment is cool and the soil remains slightly moist. Overwatering during dormancy is a common mistake and can easily lead to root rot.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your red African milk tree. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent this.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Euphorbia trigona

If growing indoors as a houseplant, the African Milk Tree thrives in bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves. If you notice the stems stretching or the leaves losing their vibrant color, it might be an indication that your African milk tree is not receiving enough bright light. In such cases, you can supplement its light requirements with the help of artificial grow lights.

When growing outdoors, your Euphorbia trigona rubra thrives in full sun to partial shade. The African milk tree can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn.

In general, it should be placed in a location that receives bright but filtered light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain.

Remember, if you live in a region with a mild climate, you can consider placing your African milk tree plant in a partially shaded area outdoors.

However, if you reside in a hot and arid region, it's best to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburn. 

Additionally, if they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten. So, make your milk plant happy and give it plenty of bright sunlight. If your Euphorbia trigona rubra is not receiving enough light, the leaves may become pale or yellow, while too much light can cause the leaves to turn brown or black.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

The African milk plant favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well within a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining soil, or ideally, use our that contains over 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of new growth and a strong root system that helps your healthy plant thrive. 

The Euphorbia tree prefers fertilizer with lower doses of NPK once a year in spring, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. This will help promote healthy growth without causing excessive leafy growth.

Indoor Growing Temperature & Humidity 

If you are growing your Euphorbia trigona rubra indoors, they prefer constant temperatures above 70°F, and can tolerate triple digits in the summer, so don't worry if your cactus gets too hot. In the United States, that usually means they're indoor plants or grown in a greenhouse in areas with colder climates, at least for part of the year.

These plants prefer low to moderate humidity, similar to their native arid environment. Avoid placing them in overly humid rooms like bathrooms, and ensure there is good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup around the roots.

Hardiness Zones & More

In the United States, this African milk plant is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. 

Remember, these perennial succulents cannot handle frost or cold temperatures, but African milk trees are not truly hardy plants, and prolonged exposure will almost certainly cause some damage. So, make sure they don't get below 45°F in their environment. 

Remember, this Euphorbia spurge doesn't require additional humidity, so growing it in a humid location could stress it out and lead to fungus growth or pest infestation.

Wildlife - Euphorbia trigona Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators

Euphorbia trigona flowers are known to attract a variety of friendly pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are drawn to the bright colors and sweet nectar of the flowers, making them essential for the plant's reproduction and overall ecosystem health.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the sap of the African milk tree is mildly toxic to both pets and humans and can cause blisters, severe eye irritation, and convulsions if swallowed. So, always keep Euphorbia trigona rubra away from pets and children.

How to Propagate Your African Milk Tree

The African Milk Tree can be propagated by stem cuttings is a rewarding experience, just as it is for the . Take a healthy stem, callous it, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant.

Key Takeaways

  1. Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' is highly drought-tolerant, thriving in dry conditions and requiring very little water once established.
  2. This plant is extremely popular among succulent enthusiasts and collectors for its vivid burgundy stems and striking vertical form.
  3. Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' grows rapidly, especially during warm months with plenty of indirect sunlight.
  4. The plant has an upright, columnar growth habit, often branching as it matures to form a dramatic, tree-like silhouette.
  5. Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor settings, provided it is protected from frost and receives adequate light.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona rubra) is a stunning and captivating succulent that will surely steal the show in any plant collection. With its vibrant red stems and unique branching pattern, it adds a touch of exotic beauty to any space. When it comes to African milk tree care, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Just be cautious of its milky sap, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra'—the African milk tree—today!

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Tiffany F.
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Very Comfortable - Love this!
Size: Full, Style: 1 Green
So far, so good! I am going on my first night trying this mattress topper out. It feels very comfortable and definitely is fluffy, but not too fluffy. I did not "fluff it out" or put it in the dryer to fluff it out quicker, so perhaps it still needs some time to fluff out some more. It was very easy to place on my mattress. I didn't have to fight with it as I normally would when fitting a sheet to my mattress. I love that it stretches over the sides of the mattress to hold it in place. The bamboo truly gives a cooler effect, which will be very helpful in the summer time. I used a microfiber mattress topper prior to ordering this topper. So far, the comparison is that this one appears to be well made and durable, unlike the microfiber one I had before that changes color as it gets old and dirty and is impossible to clean. The old one actually ripped and would constantly move. I am excited to see how well this one holds up over time. I had no trouble placing a fitted sheet over this mattress topper. I love that this one is machine washable and is able to be placed in the drier. It feels very nice on my legs and is comfortable for my back as well. The padding doesn't feel thick or bulky but definitely adds a softness that is super comfortable. It's too soon to tell if it's water resistant as I haven't tested that feature out yet. I placed it over an old, springy mattress and it truly feels like I have a whole new mattress. Time will tell how well this product does the job and I will update this review if I end up having any issues with it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
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PRIVATE
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
IT'S LIKE SLEEPING ON A CLOUD!!
Size: King, Style: 3 White
OMG I AM SLEEPING ON A CLOUD!!! THIS! Life changing!!! We went on a Royal cruise and asked for a mattress topper. When we got home I just had to find one for our bed because I sometimes find it to be too hard. Along comes THIS topper! The very first night it was on the bed I slept the entire night without tossing / turning which I NEVER do! Along with every night since! It fits perfectly on our King bed and no issues with the sheets. It does have a chemical smell when you first open the bag - but I put it in the dryer on air only and the smell dissipated in about 20 minutes. No smell at all by the time we went to bed. it appears to be washable. It's very soft so there isn't really any back support. Just adds comfort to the bed. It is bamboo and really as soft as a cloud! Even my husband got into bed the first night and said AHHHHHHH SOFFT! Super bright white appearance. Not sure if it is water resistant. We added it on top of the mattress protector without any issues. All of the FOAM mattress toppers are terrible! They end up getting really heavy, you can't wash them, they get lumpy, and you end up sweating like crazy on them! THIS - nice and cool! And my hubby runs hot!! I call him the heat miser! No issues! We're both very very pleased!! If you're even thinking about purchasing - ADD IT TO YOUR CART NOW!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2026
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Kathleen Kowalski
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 4
Not like the pictures but well worth the money
Size: Queen, Style: 1 Green
4 stars because it is not nearly as padded as the descriptions and images make it seem. The filling flattens easily and doesn’t provide any support. That being said it does make my bed more comfortable and soft and has improved my sleep quality. I have a 12 in soft/medium firm memory foam mattress that was wonderful for the last +2 years till my back surgery ~6 months ago. Since then my joints ached when trying to sleep and when waking, my back would be all out of place and achey, and I was untested. Since buying this topper these issues have improved by 80% or more. It is a great addition to my bed and I don’t regret buying it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Aurihazuma
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
OMGAAAAAWD!!! HEAVEN!
Size: Full, Style: 1 Green, Size: Full, Style: 1 Green
All I can say is OMGAWD!!! Thank You~!~!! We got a new mattress after the previous "The Cloud" Serta pillow top (I'll never have another one) lasted for less than 8 years and I totally despised not being able to flip it models failed.. The new model is also a hybrid mattress, but is flippable and was just a bit too firm. I was feeling progressively more and more uncomfortable as the nights wore on, and with my serious back problems.. this just wouldn't do.. So I began searching "Our Beloved Amazon - heh" for an alternative, and after quite some time and research finally landed on this wonderful topper. It's like sleeping on top of well stuffed Ida Down on top of piles of silk. So very comfortable and my back pain is virtually completely gone now -such a relief! Be sure you follow the instructions on care and initial setup. You Do have to let it fluff out because of the vacuum packing (it wasn't really heavy btw). Mine decompacted fine, but I still want to run it through the dryer when we next venture to the laundromat. Shake it a little here and there when you take it out and at least let it sit for a few hours. It was just as easy to put on the bed as a regular mattress protector, and I also put my regular protector on top of it for added security and waterproofing. The materials feel like they are of good quality.. Viscose is also called Rayon and can be made from a number of different materials, so take good care of it and follow the washing instructions carefully. Delicate only, and cool only, and use only a horizontal washer that does not have a central agitator or you will tear it up. Only dry on low temperatures (preferably in a very larger laundromat dryer so it has plenty of room to loosely toss about. Drying it in the sun is alright as well, but it won't fluff like you want it to. I recommend using a waterproof and bug proof protector on top of this just to be sure you take care of it properly. Now I want to buy one for both my Mother and my Aunt HAHAHHA! TG it is in my price range.. barely. (Addendum: I have run it through the big dryer at the laundromat.. The dryer was cold so I gave it a quick warm on medium for anout 2 minutes and then tumbled on low for quite some time. The topper was fully ready in about 25 minutes, but I decided to elt it go on low while I did the rest of my laundry. It did perfectly and is just like the manufacturer photos.. I was so tired when I arrived home that I just flaked out on top of everything.. It was so comfortable that I was out liek a light in very short order and slept beautifully. I can attest that if you use this below your sheets instead of covering it with an additional mattress protector, that it does have better cooling effect. I will of course keep my waterproof/bugproof protector on top just for safety. The cat is nutz about the new topper as well.) Namaste.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2025
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Chelsey Yarno
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Pleasantly surprised!
Size: Queen, Style: 2 Dark Gray
I had been searching for a quality mattress topper in hopes of extending the life of our mattress. I compared a few options and kept coming back to this one. I have to admit I was skeptical because the price point was lower than many options. This topper is SO comfortable and soft! I left it laying out for a couple hours and then followed the instructions to put it in the dryer. Worked like a charm. I’ve been going through issues with hip pain and this has made a difference in my sleep and I’m waking up in less pain. So happy I tried this out. The padding is so comfortable and fit on the mattress using the same sheet we had.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026

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