How much light and water does an African milk tree need?
Answer
Light
African milk tree needs strong, extended light exposure and in the northeastern United States that usually means giving it the sunniest possible place in your home, with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Your plant will benefit from being turned weekly so that all sides receive equal light. Without extended, direct light, your plant will begin to stretch and may have difficulty supporting itself.
If the sun in your sunniest window is not adequate, artificial lights should be considered, alone or in combination with natural light. Artificial light is not equivalent to daylight in strength and must be delivered for at least 14 to 16 hours per day. (For more detailed information on see our Guide to Artificial Light for Houseplants.)
Water
Your watering routine should vary with the time of year.
Water your plant to make all the potting mixture just moist with tepid water, then allow it to drain completely through the drain hole before removing the run-off water. The soil should nearly dry before you water it again. If the soil is allowed to stay too wet, it can kill the plant. Keeping your plant in a container that allows it to drain and then removing the water is essential to its health.
Begin to taper the watering frequency in fall as days get shorter. Typically, in the low-light conditions of fall and winter (October through February), water only as often as is necessary to prevent your plant from slight wrinkling. Your plant is not in active growth at this time and prefers extended, nearly dry conditions.
African milk trees do not need humidity to prosper, and misting is not advised. It is best suited to a dry to neutral environment with humidity below 50%.
For complete care information see our Guide to African Milk Tree.
Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service.
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