Euphorbia trigona
Also known as: African milk tree, cathedral cactus
The African milk tree: three-sided cathedral columns that grow surprisingly fast (30+ cm a year). It belongs to the Euphorbia genus, comes from Central Africa (Angola region), stays around 1–2 m indoors, and tolerates USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Euphorbia
- Origin: Central Africa (Angola region)
- Mature size: 1–2 m indoors (up to 3 m)
- Hardiness: USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: ⚠️ Milky sap is a skin/eye irritant; toxic if eaten
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Origin
- Central Africa (Angola region)
- Mature size
- 1–2 m indoors (up to 3 m)
- Growth habit
- Tall three-sided cathedral columns with paired spines
- Leaf colour
- Deep green with light marbling; red-tinged cultivars exist
- Flower colour
- Tiny yellow-green (rare indoors)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- ⚠️ Milky sap is a skin/eye irritant; toxic if eaten
- Other names
- African milk tree, cathedral cactus
About the Euphorbia trigona
The African milk tree: three-sided cathedral columns that grow surprisingly fast (30+ cm a year). Not a cactus — the milky sap is a real irritant, so wear gloves and eye protection when handling or pruning. Give it bright light and a dry winter rest.
Care and cultivation
Euphorbias look like cacti but are unrelated and hate cactus-style neglect in winter. Give them bright light, a gritty mix, and a completely dry, cool winter rest. Always wear gloves when cutting: the latex sap irritates skin and eyes. Keep away from pets and children. Light: Bright light with direct sun. Water: Every 2–3 weeks in growth; dry in winter. Use a Gritty succulent mix.
Description
Euphorbia trigona is an Euphorbia succulent from Central Africa (Angola region). The African milk tree: three-sided cathedral columns that grow surprisingly fast (30+ cm a year). Not a cactus — the milky sap is a real irritant, so wear gloves and eye protection when handling or pruning. Give it bright light and a dry winter rest.
Identification
Look for: Deep green with light marbling; red-tinged cultivars exist leaves in a 1–2 m indoors (up to 3 m) form. Also answers to African milk tree, cathedral cactus. The genus is Euphorbia, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'African milk tree'.
Common problems
Milky sap is a skin and eye irritant — wear gloves and eye protection • Rot in winter wet • Spider mites in dry indoor air •
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Euphorbia trigona?
Every 2–3 weeks in growth; dry in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Euphorbia trigona need?
Bright light with direct sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Euphorbia trigona, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.