How Often to Water a African Milk Tree
Euphorbia trigona · Difficulty: Very easy
Care Snapshot
| Light | Bright light with several hours of direct sun |
|---|---|
| Soil | Well-draining succulent or cactus mix |
| Humidity | Low to average humidity is fine (below 40%) |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| Pet Safety | ☠️ Toxic to cats & dogs (milky sap is irritating to skin, mouth and eyes) |
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Signs of Overwatering
The angular, ridged stems turn soft, dark and mushy near the base when the roots have been sitting in wet soil.
Signs of Underwatering
The stems become noticeably thinner and slightly wrinkled, though this plant handles drought extremely well.
Adjusting for the Seasons
Growth is naturally slow and can pause almost entirely in winter, especially in a cooler, less bright spot - water sparingly during this rest period.
Pro Tip
Wear gloves when handling or pruning - despite looking like a cactus, this is actually a euphorbia, and its milky white sap is a genuine skin and eye irritant, unlike true cacti sap.
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