African Milk Bush Propagation

Preparation

• The quickest way to propagate an African milk bush is to root stem cuttings. However, due to the irritation caused by the sap, you should wear gloves when working with the plant. The sap not only runs through the stems but also through the leaves. The sap can cause burning, redness, swelling, and blisters when exposed to the skin. The plant may be fatal if ingested. It is best to have a disposable container or waxed paper to place the cuttings on when removing them from the plant. Avoid touching your eyes or face when working with the African milk bush.

  Prepare a growing container in advance so there is less time for the sap to escape from the stem cuttings. The growing medium is a mixture of quality potting soil and coarse sand. If the container does not have drainage holes, drill three or four holes in the bottom of the container. Fill the container with the soil mixture and water well. Allow the water to drain out of the bottom of the container.

Stem Cuttings

• Remove 6 to 8-inch stem cuttings from the plant in the spring using a sharp knife or pruning shears. Some of the stems are as thick as a pencil and the pruning shears will be able to cut through the fleshy stem easily. Apply a coating of charcoal dust to the cuts to keep the sap from running out of the cut sections of the stem and plant. Apply a light dusting of a rooting compound to the cut stems. The rooting compound aids in the development of roots on the stem cutting. Place the cuttings three to four inches deep in the growing container so they stand upright and space the cuttings far enough apart so that the leaves do not touch.

Care of Cuttings

• The cuttings must be in a humid environment during the rooting process. Achieve the proper growing conditions with a plastic bag or clear plastic cover over the the cuttings. Seal the plastic with rubber bands around the rim of the container so the moisture does not drip down the edge of the container. African milk bush likes sunlight but cuttings are fragile and must be kept out of the direct sunlight. Place the container in an area where the cuttings receive filtered or indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not saturated while the root system develops. Check the cuttings in four to six weeks for roots by giving the top of the cuttings a gentle tug. The roots will resist the pull. Remove the cover of the container and allow the new plants to grow for another four weeks.

Growing African Milk Bush Plantlets

• The new plants can be transplanted into the garden if you live in a warm climate. For mild or cool climates where nighttime temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, transplant the new plants into separate containers. Provide an all-purpose fertilizer at least twice a month during the growing season. The plant does well in direct sunlight. Once the plant is established, you can prune back in the spring. Use care when pruning.