Euphorbia trigona ‘Rubra’ has many common names. Milk Stripe, African Milk Tree, Mottled Spurge, and Dragon Bones tree. All these names refer to the upright growth and milky latex sap that Euphorbia exudes when cut. Euphorbia trigona Rubra has red stems that grow out of the main stem, giving the whole plant the look of a difficult-to-grow cactus. The thorns are the modified ‘leaves’ of the plant. This is an easy-to-grow succulent that can be grown outdoors from USDA zones 8a (with winter protection) to 11.
Best Locations For Growing Euphorbia Rubra
Euphorbia is a plant that demands to be seen and makes a great statement in the corner of a room or hallway. As the plant matures, it can be propagated easily, increasing how densely it grows in a pot. Caution should be used in growing this plant near pets and children. The latex sap is toxic and can cause contact burns or poisoning.
Euphorbia Rubra Sunlight Requirements
Growing indoors, Euphorbia prefers bright indirect light. South and southwest-facing windows are ideal. Euphorbia growing outdoors will need partial shade and protection from the direct sun during the middle of the day.
Euphorbia Rubra Care
This succulent needs free-draining soil that is loose and lightweight. The pot needs to have excellent drainage holes. The roots of Euphorbia Rubra are very shallow and small compared to the overall height. Staking may be necessary to help the main stem stay upright, and planting into a low, wide pot will help counteract any top-heaviness. Euphorbia is easily multiplied by replanting any of the leaf-shaped branches directly into the pot. Always wear gloves when doing this to protect from thorns and latex sap.
Watering Euphorbia Rubra
Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried. Always discard any water collected in a saucer or cache pot. Euphorbia does not like to sit in water. Humidity levels indoors do not need to be high. High humidity will stress Euphorbia and leave it vulnerable to pests and fungus.
Feeding Euphorbia Rubra
Fertilizing is only needed during the spring and summer when Euphorbia is actively growing. Use a dilute liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. Apply every 3-4 weeks. No fertilizing is needed in the winter.
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra Information
Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light
Care Requirements: Easy
Watering Requirements: Average – When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.
Pet Friendly: No
Kid Friendly: No
Air Purifier: High
Habit: Upright
Growth Rate: Slow
Mature Height: 3-5 feet
Mature Spread: 18-36 inches
Flowering: No
Flower Color(s): None
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage
Fragrant: No
Foliage Type:
Foliage Color(s): Green, Red
Foliage Description: Green, Red
Temperature: 59° – 81°F (15° – 27°C)
Humidity: Doesn’T Need Any Extra Humidity
Common Name: Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Other Name(s): Milkstripe, Mottled Spurge, Mottled Candlestick, Dragon Bones Tree
