--- title: "Help! My African milk tree isn’t doing well. I already removed one…" description: "Help! My African milk tree isn’t doing well. I already removed one stalk because it turned black spotted and mushy. I carefully repotted what was left (and…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/quHAyaAkTW2fnN_9OrFhVQ" community: "Pests, diseases and problems" author: "KaiMama" published: "2024-10-04T02:46:03.599103Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/y46AhdMx3wbBTLItoFTzZNUdPI9ug_8b9jL9QJRGuFM/3ryMVxXbQOemptGEEVUtDQ.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md) # Help! My African milk tree isn’t doing well. I already removed one… _Posted by KaiMama on 2024-10-04_ Help! My African milk tree isn’t doing well. I already removed one stalk because it turned black spotted and mushy. I carefully repotted what was left (and appeared healthy) and moved it to a room without a humidifier. It’s getting a lot of love from my grow lights and is not overwatered. I also treated with neem oil. But now there’s a black spot coming in on yet another stalk, near the base. (So far still firm— not mushy). Any ideas as to what’s wrong and how to treat? ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/y46AhdMx3wbBTLItoFTzZNUdPI9ug_8b9jL9QJRGuFM/3ryMVxXbQOemptGEEVUtDQ.webp?size=large) ## 6 comments ### BigGrac commented on 2024-10-04 Your soil looks pretty organic and wet right now. Did you just water it? It might be holding onto water too long and causing root rot so could need a more chunky rocky medium ### B-Angie-B 2024 commented on 2024-10-04 Your friend’s plant appears to be a type of Euphorbia, which has care requirements similar to succulents. Here are some tips to help it thrive: 1\. Light Requirements • Bright, indirect light is essential. Euphorbias do well in direct morning sun, but be cautious with intense midday sun, which can cause sunburn. Place it near a south or west-facing window if indoors. 2\. Watering • Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Water sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Water deeply, but make sure any excess water drains out of the pot. • During the growing season (spring and summer), water approximately every 2-3 weeks, and reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. 3\. Soil \& Potting • Euphorbias need well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal, or regular potting soil mixed with perlite or sand to enhance drainage. • Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the soil. 4\. Temperature \& Humidity • They prefer warm temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops, as they are not frost-tolerant. • Euphorbias thrive in low humidity environments, so regular household humidity is fine. 5\. Fertilization • During the growing season, you can fertilize once a month with a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the dormant season (fall and winter). 6\. Pruning \& Care • Trim any dead or damaged parts to keep the plant healthy. Use gloves and be careful when pruning, as Euphorbias produce a toxic, milky sap that can be irritating to the skin and eyes. 7\. Pests \& Disease Prevention • Watch for pests like mealybugs and spider mites. If found, use neem oil or a gentle insecticidal soap to treat them. • If the plant’s color changes or it becomes soft and mushy at the base, it might indicate overwatering or rot. In that case, reduce watering and check the roots. 8\. Repotting • Repot only when necessary (every 2-3 years) or when the plant has outgrown its pot. Use fresh soil and a slightly larger pot for repotting. By following these care tips, your friend’s Euphorbia should stay healthy and grow well! If they notice any specific issues, they may need to adjust watering or light conditions accordingly. ### B-Angie-B 2024 commented on 2024-10-04 You might need to make sure the drainage holes are big enough and not blocked. ### Kelly commented on 2025-07-11 I know this is an older post but Im wondering if you were able to save your milk tree? I recently bought one and I was here looking for info! #### KaiMama replied on 2025-07-21 I did! I had to separate out the last stalk. I replanted in a smaller nursery pot with drainage holes. I also moved her location. She was too close to a humidifier. (I think that may have caused what looked like a moldy spot.) not sure what did it— but she’s doing much better now! #### Kelly replied on 2025-07-22 Oh, awesome! Im happy to hear that..I love mine so much and Im hoping it makes it. Mine is in a small pot with drainage and has 3 stalks. I guess I will leave it instead of repotting right now bc its making new little leaves. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_