African milkbush Plant Care

African milkbush (Neuburgia tuberculata) belongs to the Loganiaceae family within the Neuburgia genus. African milkbush is native to South Africa. African milkbush is also known as Euphorbia tuberculata.

African milkbush displays a compact, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African milkbush produces small, tubular white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African milkbush every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African milkbush thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African milkbush in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Neuburgia tuberculata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African milkbush prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African milkbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African milkbush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African milkbush is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African milkbush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune African milkbush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

African milkbush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African milkbush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to winged spindle tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African milkbush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African milkbush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African milkbush is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African milkbush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.