How to Grow and Care for African Milk Tree

Plant Care

African Milk Tree’s a dream for lazy gardeners.It thrives with little water, loves sunlight, and is extremely tolerant of dry conditions. If you’re cultivating it indoors, select a bright location receiving lots of indirect light — think near a south-facing window. Outdoors, plant in containers or well-drained garden beds where frost isn’t a concern.

It grows fast — sometimes a foot a year — and may eventually need support. Careful when handling it: the white sap can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested.

Light

This plant likes bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some direct sun, especially outdoors. Indoors, keep it close to a south- or west-facing window where it can get 6 hours or more of light. Too little light results in stretched, leggy growth.  If grown in lower light, rotate the pot regularly to encourage even growth.

Soil

Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix to keep the roots healthy. The African Milk Tree doesn’t like soggy soil, so avoid heavy or moisture retaining substrates. If you are growing plants outdoors, add some coarse sand or perlite to the native soil to improve the drainage. Placing small stones at the bottom of pots can help prevent root rot.

Watering

African Milk Tree is extremely drought-resistant. Let it dry out between waterings. Water every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer, or when soil is dry to the touch. Reduce watering in winter — watering once a month or less is generally enough. Water at the base and avoid getting moisture on the stems to prevent rot. The No 1 mistake to avoid is overwatering.

Pruning

Pruning this succulent maintains its attractive shape. Here's how to do it:

• Best time to prune: In spring or early summer.
• What to prune: Leggy, damaged or too-tall stems.
• Remove: Always wear gloves and use sharp, clean tools — its sap is poisonous and can irritate skin.
• Pro tip: Let cuttings callous over for a few days before replanting.
• Bonus: Pruned stems can be propagated to create new plants.

Propagating

African Milk Tree can be propagated via cuttings easily:

• Cut a healthy stem with a sharp, clean knife.
• Allow the cutting to dry and form a callus for 3–7 days.
• Plant it in dry, well-draining soil.
• Water lightly after a week, then treat like a mature plant.

Growing in Pots

African Milk Tree grows well in containers—perfect for patios or sunny indoor spaces. 

• Choose a sturdy pot with a drainage hole, as the plant can become top-heavy. 
• Plant in a cactus- or succulent-mix, and consider weighing the pot or using a wide base to prevent tipping. 
• Water sparingly and rotate regularly for balanced growth. 
• Requires repotting every 2–3 years (or when it is root-bound).

Overwintering

African Milk Tree is not a cold-hardy plant.  If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring potted plants indoors or provide shelter. Indoors, put it in the brightest window you can find and reduce watering. It may go semi-dormant, with slowed growth during winter, so hold off on fertilizing until spring.

Blooming

Although it’s technically a flowering plant, African Milk Tree blooms quite rarely in cultivation. In ideal outdoor conditions, mature plants may produce tiny, yellow-white flowers. However, this does happen on occasion, so consider this a lovely surprise rather than a goal. The true visual interest in the plant is its shape, its height, and its vibrant color.

Common Issues

African Milk Tree is hardy but not immune to issues:

• Root rot → Overwatered; let soil dry out completely.
• Leaf drop→ Commonly caused by shock, low light, or sudden fluctuation in temperature.
• Brown patches → Likely from sunburn; acclimate plant to direct sunlight gradually.
• Mealybugs → Can appear on stems; wipe off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• Leaning stems → Shows that it is getting top-heavy or light-starved; provide support or more light.