Unusual But Easy Care Succulent
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light)
Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 3-5 feet

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

Scientific Name: Euphorbia 'Trigona Rubra'

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Succ_Euphorbia_Trigona.Rubra-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Euphorbia Trigona Rubra