Low water needs; water thoroughly, then let soil dry between waterings. Containers may need more frequent watering during Phoenix summers. Water very sparingly in cool weather.
Size
4-8 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Columnar cactus
Toxicity
Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant
Description
African milk tree is an upright, branching succulent with three-sided green stems, short paired spines, and small leaves along the stem ridges. It is a euphorbia, not a true cactus.
Bloom Time
Non-flowering (grown for foliage)
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Drought Tolerant, Toxic (see detail)
Toxic if ingested; milky sap is a severe skin/eye irritant
Care Instructions
Light: Bright filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Protect from intense Phoenix afternoon sun; acclimate gradually to increased exposure.
Water: Low water needs; water thoroughly, then let soil dry between waterings. Containers may need more frequent watering during Phoenix summers. Water very sparingly in cool weather.
Soil: Very well-drained cactus or succulent mix amended with pumice or coarse mineral grit. Use containers with drainage holes.
Mature size: Typically 6–9 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide under favorable conditions; often smaller in containers.
Bloom: Flowering is exceptionally rare in cultivation; grown primarily for its sculptural stems and foliage.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent stems; small leaves may drop during drought, cold, or other stress.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast during warm weather with suitable light and watering.