Meet the African Milk Tree (Euphorbiatrigona 'Rubra')! This dramatic, low-maintenance succulent has vibrant reddish-purple stems and leaves that are impossible to ignore. Known for its upright, candelabra-like growth that can reach up to 6 feet indoors, this plant is perfect for those who want a splash of color or architectural interest in their collection.
NOTE: The African Milk Tree’s leaves can be deciduous, meaning it’s normal to see some leaf drop upon arrival due to transit conditions and even at different times throughout the year. Rest assured, new leaves will grow back as the plant adapts to its environment!
Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
Medium plant measures between 7-12" tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage
Large plant measures between 20-22" tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage
Arrives in a nursery grow pot nestled in your planter choice
If you purchase a large plant with a planter, the planter will ship separately
Large plants require less frequent waterings due to their higher volume of soil
Care Guide
African Milk TreeCentral Africa
Plant Care
Thrives in bright direct light, but can tolerate bright indirect light.
Water every 2-3 weeks in direct light, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
The African Milk Tree may have spiky edges and a tall, column-like shape, but it’s a succulent, not a cactus. The key difference? Unlike cacti, it doesn't grow areoles (those little bump-like structures where spines emerge), proving looks can be deceiving!
Sad Plant Signs
Leaf Drop
Normal as leaves can be deciduous. New leaves will grow back as the plant adapts to its environment
Wrinkled, dry potting mix:
Thirsty plant, underwatered
Blanched center:
Needs more sunlight
Yellowing stems, wet potting mix:
Root rot, overwatered
Our Guarantee
Your plants will arrive in happy, healthy condition—guaranteed. If not, we replace them for free.
We offer free standard shipping on all orders $79+. Orders under $79 ship for a flat $15 fee. View our full shipping policy.
Sending a Gift?
First, lucky them! Second, in the cart, before checkout, you’ll find an option to add a gift note. You can rest assured that all orders are shipped without pricing information and include directions on how to access our digital Care Library for plant care instructions.
You can also let your gift recipient know something is on the way from yours truly by filling out this form – also linked in your order confirmation email. (Don’t worry, we won’t spoil what the surprise is or send them any marketing emails.)
From plant-specific care, to repotting tips and tricks, to pest identification—we’re here to help. Chat directly via video with a knowledgeable houseplant expert from The Sill team. We’ll kick off your appointment with a quick environmental assessment of your space, then dive into your care questions and concerns. Appointment windows are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm, and are subject to our houseplant expert’s availability.
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https://www.thesill.com/products/euphorbia-trigona-african-milk-rubra7464920744041African Milk Tree99.00files/the-sill_Large-African-Milk_Large_Agnes-Chocolate_Variant.jpgfiles/the-sill_Large-African-Milk_Large_Agnes-Chocolate_Variant.jpgUSDOutOfStockIndoor Plant282136805481Cacti & Succulents271587934313Cactus Plants132294541417Eligible For Promo261212143721Eligible for Reward266292592745Home & Decor277245034601Indoor Plants ONLY265530540137Large Plants
Meet the African Milk Tree (Euphorbiatrigona 'Rubra')! This dramatic, low-maintenance succulent has vibrant reddish-purple stems and leaves that are impossible to ignore. Known for its upright, candelabra-like growth that can reach up to 6 feet indoors, this plant is perfect for those who want a splash of color or architectural interest in their collection.
NOTE: The African Milk Tree’s leaves can be deciduous, meaning it’s normal to see some leaf drop upon arrival due to transit conditions and even at different times throughout the year. Rest assured, new leaves will grow back as the plant adapts to its environment!
Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
Medium plant measures between 7-12" tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage
Large plant measures between 20-22" tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage
Arrives in a nursery grow pot nestled in your planter choice
If you purchase a large plant with a planter, the planter will ship separately
Large plants require less frequent waterings due to their higher volume of soil