Gray milkwood Plant Care

Gray milkwood (Suregada bracteata) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Suregada genus. Gray milkwood is native to India. Gray milkwood is also known as white indrajao.

Gray milkwood displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Gray milkwood produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

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

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

Suregada bracteata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Gray milkwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Gray milkwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gray milkwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gray milkwood is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Gray milkwood can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Gray milkwood 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 tree in one year.

Gray milkwood 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.

Gray milkwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral berry plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Gray milkwood is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

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