Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra'
Euphorbia trigona ‘Rubra’, also known as the African Milk Tree, is a striking succulent that features upright stems with a deep reddish tint that intensifies in bright light. Its vertical branches are lined with small leaves and paired spines, creating a sculptural, cactus-like form—though it’s technically not a cactus at all!
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun. The red coloration is most vivid with several hours of direct sunlight each day.
Water: Water sparingly—allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Like most Euphorbias, it’s highly drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. A pot with drainage holes is a must.
Bloom: Though rarely blooms indoors, mature plants can produce small, inconspicuous flowers at the stem tips.
Propagation: Propagate by stem cuttings in warm weather. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting. Caution: the milky sap is toxic and can irritate skin—wear gloves when handling.
Fun Fact: The latex sap inside Euphorbia trigona was once studied for its potential use in natural rubber and biofuel production.
Available in 6" pots