The Cathedral Cactus, also known as the African Milk Tree or Friendship Cactus, is a striking succulent with an upright, columnar growth habit and distinctive three-sided stems. While it’s commonly called a cactus, it actually belongs to the Euphorbia genus. Its architectural form and ease of care make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.

• Genus: Euphorbia
• Species: Euphorbia trigona
• Growing Zone: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12. In colder regions, it’s grown as a houseplant.
• Origin: Native to Central Africa.
• Toxicity: The Cathedral Cactus is considered toxic to humans and pets. It produces a milky sap (latex) that can cause skin irritation, eye problems, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Handle with caution and wear gloves when pruning or propagating.
• Health Benefits: No significant health benefits are associated with the Cathedral Cactus.

• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
• Sunlight: Thrives in bright, indirect light or full sun. Can tolerate some shade but may become leggy.
• Water: Drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm conditions. Protect from frost.
• Fertilizer: Light feeder. Fertilize once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer or a specialized succulent fertilizer.
• Pruning: Prune to shape or control size. Wear gloves when pruning due to the toxic sap.
• Propagation: Easily propagated from cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry and callus over before planting in well-draining soil.
• The Cathedral Cactus is a fast-growing succulent that can reach several feet tall indoors and even taller outdoors.
• Its stems are typically dark green with prominent ridges and small, reddish-brown spines.
• It may produce small, yellow flowers in spring or summer, but flowering is rare indoors.
• The Cathedral Cactus is relatively pest and disease resistant.

In Columbus, Georgia: The Cathedral Cactus can be grown outdoors year-round, enjoying the warm climate and ample sunlight. Provide some afternoon shade during peak summer and protect from frost during occasional winter dips.

********

Search terms: The Cathedral Cactus, Euphorbia trigona, African Milk Tree, Friendship Cactus, toxic, plants, hobbyist, collectible, tropical plant, cactus, succulent, genus, species, plant, potted plant, indoor plant, indoor garden, plant bomb, seed bomb, the walking crow, nursery, greenhouse, fertilizer, soil, plant care, plant health, home garden, toxicity, gardening, blooming, leaf, leaves, flower, flowering, water, growing zone, perennial, annual, planting, thewalkingcrow, Rotanist Botanist, sunlight