Caring for a Friendship Cactus

The friendship cactus, also known as the Euphorbia hermentiana, Euphorbia trigona and African milk tree grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 through 12. The friendship cactus reaches a maximum height of 6 feet and requires light shade to full sun. Like most cacti, it consists of a main trunk with several spiny growths that emerge from it; however, the friendship cactus differs in appearance due to the fact that various types of the cactus have white or red mottling on the sides.

Gardening gloves
Watering can
Grow lights
Small pot
Potting soil

Instructions

- 1
  Wear gloves when plucking dead leaves from the friendship cactus as its sap can cause skin irritation. The gloves will also protect your hands from the large, prickly thorns that grow on the cactus.
- 2
  Test the soil around the cactus by pushing your index finger into it. If the soil does not give and is completely dry, pour 3 cups of water into the water can and sprinkle it around the base of the cactus. Do not water it again until the soil fully dries out again.
- 3
  Place the cactus under grow lights or in direct sunlight for three to four hours a day. The rest of the time, the friendship cactus needs shade or its skin will become discolored.
- 4
  Slice off a 1 inch section of the top of one of the branches and allow it to dry under a grow light for four to five days. Plant it 3 to 4 inches deep in a new pot filled ¾ full of fresh soil. A new friendship cactus will emerge within several weeks. Do not water the new growth until you see it poking out of the soil.

My Schefflera Has Brown Spots

How to Get a Philodendron Selloum to Grow Fast

Plant Basics