Variegated African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona variegata)
Native to Central Africa, the Variegated African Milk Tree is a succulent shrub that has the potential to grow upwards of 9-10 feet tall. African milk trees have triangular stems with three distinct sides, and both the branches and stems feature short spines. The branches will develop small oval leaves that set this succulent apart from cacti despite many similarities.
The Variegated African Milk Tree is found in naturally arid conditions and is well suited to a variety of household growing conditions. This plant will enjoy a warm and bright spot in your home, and can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning hours. It prefers a very well draining soil that contains a higher amount of sand such as a cacti and succulent potting mix.
The Variegated African Milk Tree is quite drought tolerant and therefore is one of the less demanding houseplants when it comes to watering. During the growing season it will need to be watered when the top inch of the soil has dried out, and should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks.
