African Milk Tree

Light

African milk tree likes bright, indirect sunlight. A southern-facing window works well for indoor growing, as does an outdoor spot that receives partial sun. An area that receives full sun is suitable, as long as the summers are not consistently hot. In this instance, extra watering may be needed to offset the hot, bright sunlight.

Soil

This succulent isn't fussy about its soil. Still, good drainage conditions are essential. Amend heavy clay soil for proper drainage and pH (African milk tree grows best with a soil pH of 6.1 to 7.8), or it may hamper the plant's growth. Sandy and sandy loam soils help this plant thrive in a xeriscaped environment.

Water

African milk tree doesn't need much water. Consider supplemental watering only if you're experiencing bad drought conditions. Otherwise, your region's normal rainfall should be sufficient. Indoor plants should be watered moderately once a week, but make sure to let the soil dry out between each watering to mimic its natural habitat.

Temperature and Humidity

This drought-tolerant plant enjoys a dry or arid climate and can withstand fairly hot temperatures. If your growing environment experiences hot summers, locate the plant in a spot with indirect sunlight or partial shade to avoid overheating. This plant doesn't need extra humidity, and growing it in a humid climate may cause stress, leading to fungus or pest infestation.

Fertilizer

In the spring and summer (during the plant's growing season), treat your African milk tree to a monthly feeding of half-strength diluted water-soluble fertilizer. Do not feed your plant during the off-season. Instead, allow it naturally to go dormant.

Pruning

African milk tree grows very tall and has a comparatively small and shallow root system. For this reason, older plants may become top-heavy, or even topple over, making pruning a necessity. When pruning, always wear gloves and use a sharp and sterilized knife to remove stems. The cut you create will dry over and make a callus on its own. Take care to keep the plant balanced on both sides to avoid a lopsided load on one side that may pull the plant out of the ground.

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