Photo: Totteandersson1, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
African milk tree: when and how to prune
Euphorbia trigona
African milk tree is best pruned in April–May.
| Pruning months | April–May |
|---|---|
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
African milk tree: when to prune it?
In April–May, when the plant starts growing actively.
African milk tree: how to prune it?
- Cut off a branch that is too tall or leaning with a clean, sharp knife.
- Let the sap run and dab it away with a cloth, or rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Remove dead or soft stems at the base.
- The cut branch can be used as a cutting; the parent plant regrows below the cut.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April–May.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: Always wear gloves and safety glasses: the milky sap is toxic and irritates skin and eyes. Wash your hands and the tool afterwards. African milk tree is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: African milk tree · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.