Euphorbia trigona, also known as the African Milk Tree, is a striking succulent often mistaken for a cactus, though it actually belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It’s popular as a houseplant because of its sculptural shape and relatively easy care.
🌍 Origins
Euphorbia trigona is native to central and western Africa, particularly regions like Cameroon. In its natural habitat, it grows in warm, semi-arid environments with plenty of sunlight. It has long been cultivated both locally and globally, so its exact wild origin range is a bit blurred by human propagation.
🌿 Appearance
This plant has a very distinctive look:
Growth form: Upright, columnar stems that branch upward, giving it a candelabra-like shape
Stems: Triangular (hence trigona), with ridges lined by small paired spines
Leaves: Small, oval leaves grow along the ridges; they’re usually green but can be reddish in some varieties
Color varieties:
Standard green
“Rubra” or “Royal Red” form with reddish stems and leaves
Although it resembles a cactus, it differs in structure and produces a milky white sap (latex), which is typical of spurges and can be irritating or toxic if handled improperly.
📏 How Tall Can It Get?
Height depends heavily on where it’s grown:
Indoors: Typically reaches 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), though with time and good conditions it can grow taller
Outdoors (warm climates): Can reach 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) or more, forming a large shrub-like structure
It grows relatively fast compared to many succulents, especially with bright light and consistent care. When I bought my Euphorbia trigona in 2021, it was about 18 inches tall. One spring, it shot up about 2 feet, which I never expected. About a year and a half ago, a close friend and I decided to move it from my second-floor balcony to the side yard on the first floor. My reasoning was that it was almost 6 feet tall, and would be almost impossible to move from the balcony if it got much larger. As you can see in the photo, it is now 7-1/2 feet tall!
As an avid plant lover, I have enjoyed the many benefits of being surrounded by beautiful greenery in my home. I honestly believe that having indoor houseplants offers a multitude of benefits. Here’s a closer look at why incorporating greenery into your home is a great idea:
Health Benefits
Improved Air Quality – Many houseplants, such as spider plants and snake plants, help remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, creating a cleaner living environment. I have several snake plants (Sansevieria genus) in my home, and appreciate the fact that they clean the air while looking very attractive and interesting.
Increased Oxygen Levels – Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, which can improve air circulation and overall respiratory health.
Humidity Regulation – Plants release moisture through transpiration, which can help maintain healthy humidity levels, reducing issues like dry skin and irritated sinuses. I also help my plants out by running two humidifiers in my den and kitchen to optimize plant functions.
Reduced Allergens – Some plants, like peace lilies, can trap dust and allergens, helping those with sensitivities breathe easier.
Stress Reduction & Lower Blood Pressure – Studies have shown that being around greenery can help lower stress levels and even contribute to reduced blood pressure. When I am in my home, I truly feel like I am in a garden paradise, and I feel instantly calm.
Decor Benefits
Aesthetic Appeal – Houseplants add natural beauty to any room, complementing different interior design styles. I make sure to stage my plants in such a way that they make sense in my interior living space, without sacrificing their ambient light needs.
Versatility in Design – Whether you want a bold statement piece like a fiddle-leaf fig or a subtle accent like a small succulent, there’s a plant to match every space.
Enhanced Space Perception – Large plants can fill empty corners, creating a fuller and more inviting atmosphere. If I lived in a larger home, I would definitely have tall plants strategically placed in empty corners.
Seasonal Adaptability – Unlike furniture or decor that can feel outdated, plants offer a timeless appeal and can be rearranged easily for a fresh look.
Brings Nature Indoors – For those in urban settings, houseplants help create a connection to nature, bringing an element of the outdoors inside.
The desk sentinels around my workspace
Mood Benefits
Boosted Mental Well-Being – Studies suggest that caring for plants can reduce anxiety and depression, providing a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. I know that I have a responsibility to keep my plants as healthy as possible, and I make an effort to address their needs on a weekly basis.
Increased Productivity & Focus – Plants in workspaces have been shown to enhance concentration and creativity, making them great additions to home offices. There are plants all around my desk space, and I absolutely love them.
Better Sleep – Certain plants, like lavender and jasmine, have calming properties that promote relaxation and better sleep. I only wish I could keep such plants alive in my home! Instead, I use scented candles to impart a calming mood.
Mood Elevation – Simply looking at greenery can evoke feelings of happiness and tranquility, making plants a natural mood booster.
Encourages Mindfulness – Watering, pruning, and tending to plants can be a meditative and mindful practice, helping people slow down and enjoy the present moment. Despite the fact that my weekly plant watering is a bit of a chore, I find myself getting into a zone which is meditative and beneficial.
Final Thoughts
Houseplants do much more than just decorate a space—they contribute to better air quality, reduce stress, and create a soothing ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a productivity boost, improved well-being, or a stylish home upgrade, adding indoor plants is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your living environment.
Since one of my biggest interests lies in houseplants, I thought I should cover the health benefits of growing greenery within a household. Houseplants offer a range of health benefits, both physical and mental, making them a great addition to any home or office space. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Improved Air Quality
One of the most well-known benefits of houseplants is their ability to purify indoor air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Additionally, certain houseplants, such as peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants, are known to remove toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. This can lead to cleaner, fresher air indoors, which may help reduce respiratory issues and improve overall health.
2. Stress Reduction
Several studies have shown that being around plants can help reduce stress and anxiety. The presence of greenery has a calming effect, potentially lowering heart rates and blood pressure. Simply interacting with plants—whether it’s watering them, trimming leaves, or just admiring their beauty—can trigger a relaxation response, helping you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. Houseplants offer a range of health benefits, both physical and mental, making them a great addition to any home or office space. The best part of having a large collection of houseplants is that my home has a Bohemian, Zen-like feel to it which people find relaxing and welcoming.
I will say that watering the plants in my collection is a bit of a hassle, even considering the fact that I only water half of the plants each week. Part of the issue is that I have over 100 plants inside my home, and many of them are suspended from ceiling hooks, making it necessary for me to cart around a stepladder on plant watering day. However, as long as you have a manageable assortment of plants in your residence, the task shouldn’t be too strenuous.
3. Enhanced Mood and Mental Health
Houseplants can have a positive impact on mental well-being. Studies suggest that spending time around plants can improve mood, reduce feelings of fatigue, and increase feelings of calm and contentment. The act of caring for a plant, and the sense of responsibility that comes with it, can also boost feelings of accomplishment and purpose. For people experiencing mild depression or anxiety, the nurturing of plants can offer therapeutic benefits, acting as a form of mindfulness or relaxation practice.
4. Improved Productivity and Concentration
Research has shown that having plants in the workspace or at home can improve focus, cognitive function, and productivity. Plants can increase attention span, enhance memory retention, and even promote creativity. In offices, employees with plants in their workspaces often report higher satisfaction, fewer sick days, and improved mental clarity. The presence of plants can help people feel more connected to nature, even in an urban setting.
5. Better Humidity and Temperature Regulation
Houseplants naturally release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, which can help maintain a more balanced level of humidity in the home. This is particularly helpful in environments where air conditioning or heating systems dry out the air. Proper humidity can reduce the risk of dry skin, sore throats, and respiratory irritation. Additionally, plants can help moderate temperature fluctuations by absorbing sunlight and releasing moisture, leading to a more stable and comfortable living environment.
6. Better Sleep
Certain plants, like lavender and jasmine, have been shown to promote better sleep. The calming scents emitted by these plants may help to lower anxiety levels and encourage relaxation before bedtime. Moreover, the act of caring for plants and spending time in nature can also help you develop healthier sleep habits by reducing stress during the day.
7. Boost to Immune System
Some research suggests that exposure to plants and nature can have a positive effect on the immune system. Spending time in green spaces, even within your home, can increase the production of white blood cells, which help defend against illness. Additionally, houseplants can encourage you to spend more time in your living space, which could lead to healthier habits, such as better hydration, nutrition, and sleep, all of which support a stronger immune system.
8. Reduction in Noise Pollution
Houseplants can also absorb sound, which helps reduce noise levels in indoor environments. In a busy home or office, the presence of plants can create a more peaceful atmosphere by dampening echoes and muffling background noise. This can lead to improved concentration and overall well-being, particularly in noisy urban environments.
9. Connection to Nature
Having plants in your home helps foster a sense of connection to the natural world. In urban environments, where access to parks and green spaces may be limited, indoor plants can provide a touch of nature, helping to counteract the effects of “nature-deficit disorder” (a term coined by Richard Louv to describe the negative impact of disconnection from nature). This connection can improve your mental and emotional well-being, helping you feel more grounded and centered.
10. Aesthetic and Environmental Benefits
In addition to the direct health benefits, houseplants also improve the aesthetic value of a space, making it feel more welcoming and vibrant. A well-decorated home or office with plants can enhance your environment, making it feel more lively and positive. This positive visual impact can indirectly boost your mood and contribute to a healthier mindset.
Final Thoughts
Integrating houseplants into your environment can be a simple yet effective way to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve air quality, reduce stress, boost productivity, or just make your home more inviting, the presence of plants can have far-reaching benefits for your health. And the best part is that they require relatively little effort to maintain, making them an easy and accessible way to improve your overall quality of life.
Here’s another update on my Hoya linearis collection from August 2023. I have one more update after this, in which I reveal the beautiful blooms which appeared on my longest Hoya linearis in September.
Check out my video featuring Beaucarnea recurvata, more commonly known as Ponytail Palm!
Sadly, this plant took a turn for the worse in August of 2021 (right after we had no central A/C for three weeks in July), so I banished it to my balcony, where it continued to decline. I had no choice but to dispose of it in early October of 2021. However, even though my ponytail palm didn’t fare well, I still think it’s a cool plant to have, and it is relatively easy to care for. Mine just didn’t like the sweltering heat!
Check out this unusual and cool looking plant! I love this corkscrew plant, and it seems to be very happy in my home because it has doubled in size since I got it. In this video I talk about general care for this sun loving specimen.
In this video I talk about the Senecio herreianus I purchased in June of 2020. It’s a fun succulent with leaves which resemble tiny watermelons, hence the common name, string of watermelons.
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