




☀️ Bright light • 🌵 Very little watering • 🪴 Graphic upright growth • 📏 H40 cm | Pot Ø12 cm
The Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', also known as the African milk tree, is a euphorbia native to Central Africa, with ribbed upright stems tinted deep green and purplish red — a coloring that the sun intensifies even further. Despite its cactus-like appearance, it is a euphorbia, so it has neither areoles nor true spines. Pair it with other cacti and succulents.
Its sculptural upright silhouette and hardiness make it an ideal plant for modern interiors looking to structure a space without demanding maintenance. Also available in a large XXL format Ø17 cm — H70 cm for an even stronger visual impact.
Light & placement
The Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' needs plenty of light to maintain its purplish tones — in the shade, the stems gradually turn greener and the plant becomes elongated.
- Light: full sun or a very bright indoor location — a south- or west-facing window is ideal.
- Ideal for: a sunny windowsill, bright living room, modern office.
- Temperature: ≥ 18 °C, does not tolerate frost — bring it indoors in winter if you place it outside in summer.
- Substrate: well-draining cactus and succulent soil.
Watering & care
- Watering: very low — approximately every 2 weeks in summer, and less often in winter. Our finger test is particularly suitable for this plant.
- Drainage: essential — the substrate must be completely dry between waterings.
- Fertilizer: once a month from spring to autumn, using diluted fertilizer for succulents.
- Pruning: unnecessary — its upright growth naturally forms its structure.
- Repotting: every 2 to 3 years in spring, in a slightly larger pot.
Decorating ideas & plant pairings
Its upright lines and purplish color make it an accent plant that immediately structures a space — it works particularly well in contrast with horizontal or trailing foliage.
- In a contrasting duo: pair it with its green version — the green Euphorbia trigona Ø12 cm — for a graphic duo that plays with the same silhouette in two contrasting colors.
- In a desert-inspired arrangement: combine it with a Zamioculcas and a Sansevieria Laurentii — three upright plants, zero maintenance, maximum impact.
- Decorative pot: a concrete pot or matte black ceramic pot highlights the purplish tones of the stems — avoid warm tones that compete with the plant's red coloring.
Verdeia tips
- More sun = more red: place it in the sunniest location available — the purplish coloring intensifies directly under bright light.
- Water less than you think: the most common mistake with euphorbias is overwatering — wait until the substrate is completely dry throughout its depth before watering again.
- Wear gloves when handling it: its milky sap is irritating to the skin and eyes — protect yourself when repotting or if a stem breaks.
Technical specifications
- Botanical name: Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra'
- Common name: African milk tree / Red euphorbia
- Origin: Central Africa
- Pot diameter: Ø12 cm
- Approximate height: H40 cm
- Light: full sun / very bright indoor location
- Watering: very low
- Care: easy
- Toxicity: sap irritating to the skin and slightly toxic if ingested — wear gloves when handling it and keep it out of reach of children and pets
- Decorative style: Minimalist / Urban / Graphic
Each plant is unique: the photos show an example of its appearance. Density and purplish tones naturally vary depending on sun exposure.
Your plant, delivered with care
Every plant is hand-packed in a box specially designed for plants — secured, protected, ready to travel. It arrives in perfect condition, roots intact and foliage preserved, ready to take its place in your home.
Our Verdeia commitments
FAQ – Everything to know before adopting your Verdeia plant
How are my plants prepared before shipping?
All our plants are selected from our European partner nurseries. Before shipping, they are watered, cleaned, and protected with breathable, secure packaging. Each package is designed to ensure your plant arrives in perfect health, without any transport-related stress.
Will the plant look exactly like the photo?
The photos accurately represent the variety and the stated size. Since each plant is unique, slight differences in shape, foliage, or color may occur — and that’s part of their charm.
What are the delivery times and conditions?
Orders ship within 48 working hours, with tracked delivery in 2 to 5 working days via DPD. Shipping costs and the free-shipping threshold depend on your country — see our delivery page. You receive a tracking link as soon as your parcel leaves.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
Open your package as soon as you receive it and carefully remove the plant from its packaging. Let it acclimate for 24 hours in its new environment before watering. If it has been slightly stressed during transport, it will recover its shape after one or two days in the light.
What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?
Contact us within 48 hours with a photo of the issue. Our team will assess the situation and offer you the best solution: replacement, partial refund, or recovery advice.
Can I return a plant?
Since plants are living beings, standard returns are not possible. However, we guarantee good health upon delivery: if the plant arrives damaged, it will be replaced free of charge. For any other cases (order error, decorative pot, accessory), returns are possible within 14 days.

