African milk barrel care guide

Pets and children

How often to water African milk barrel

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 10 days

A summer grower: as a guide, water well three or four days after the soil dries through, and a little less in the rainy season and midsummer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 14 days

Taper off as it cools, waiting about one to two weeks after the soil dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every month

Nearly dry: about once a month, moisten lightly on a warm morning, as a guide.

Light and placement for African milk barrel

It wants strong light: outdoors in sun and moving air from spring to fall as a guide, which keeps the ribs tight and the spines stout; acclimate it over a week or two, and keep it out of rain.

Overwintering African milk barrel

Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above

Fairly cold-tolerant for a spurge when dry, but keep it above about 3°C: move it to a sunny room or a rain-sheltered spot as nights near 5°C, away from frost.

Fertilizing and repotting African milk barrel

Fertilizer

Feed lightly as a guide: a little slow-release at repotting, or diluted liquid feed about monthly in April to June and in September; too much makes soft growth and weak spines.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with African milk barrel

• Kept in dim indoor light, the top stretches thin and the shape is lost.
• Soil that stays wet in winter or long rains rots it from the base.
• Sudden strong sun scorches the skin and leaves brown scars.

Tips for growing African milk barrel

• Plant it in a fast-draining mix so the pot dries quickly.
• The spines are old flower stalks; leave them on rather than pulling them.
• Offsets at the base can be rooted in spring once the cut has dried.

More succulent care guides

• African milk treeEuphorbia trigona
• AgaveAgave
• Agave titanotaAgave titanota
• AloeAloe
• Aloe veraAloe vera
• AnacampserosAnacampseros