牛乳樹

牛乳樹的基本資料

栽培難度

適合新手

壽命

多年生灌木至小喬木

體型

原生地中高5～9公尺（盆栽時為60公分～1.8公尺）

澆水

適度施肥（應使用有機質含量不過高的土壤）

日照與擺放位置

從明亮的間接光到直射日光都能良好生長。在夏季炎熱地區，午後略有遮蔭的位置為佳。

澆水

夏型植物。待土壤乾燥後再澆水，大約每1～2週澆一次。過度澆水容易導致根部腐爛。冬季應減少澆水。

溫度與越冬

熱帶至亞熱帶植物，耐寒性弱。日本園藝圖鑑以5℃作為耐寒溫度標準，冬季應在室內明亮處管理。

土壤與換盆

使用排水良好的土壤。室內栽培宜用混合粗沙的壤土，並應選用有機質含量不過高的介質。

繁殖方法

可透過扦插繁殖。切割時應戴手套和保護眼鏡，避免接觸切口流出的乳液，待切口乾燥後再進行扦插。

病蟲害與注意事項

乳液刺激性極強，入眼可導致暫時性失明。應放置在兒童和寵物無法接近的地方。需注意紅蜘蛛、蚜蟲、介殼蟲等害蟲。

關於牛乳樹

The milk bush (pencil tree) is a perennial euphorbia with coral-like, pencil-thick green branches and no thorns. Beginner-friendly and 60 cm to 1.8 m in a pot. Its sap is strongly toxic, so see our care and handling tips.

開始照料牛乳樹前需要了解的7件事

1. 1Give it plenty of light

   The milk bush does best in a bright spot. With too little light, the branches grow thin and leggy, and the leaves drop more easily. Indoors, put it in the brightest window you have. When moving it outdoors, get it used to direct sun gradually rather than all at once.

2. 2Water only when dry

   Wait until the soil is completely dry, then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole. The plant stores water in its fleshy branches, so soil that stays constantly wet can lead to root rot. If you are unsure, it is safer to wait a few more days than to water too soon.

3. 3Choose fast-draining soil

   A succulent and cactus mix, or a soil blended with plenty of akadama or pumice, works well. A mix that does not hold water in the pot helps prevent root problems. Choose a pot with drainage holes.

4. 4Repotting and pruning

   Do both repotting and pruning during the warm growing season. Move the plant to a pot one size larger once the roots fill the current one. As it grows taller it becomes top-heavy, so choose a stable pot and cut back overly long branches to keep the shape balanced. Wear gloves, because cuts release sap.

5. 5Protect it in winter

   The milk bush comes from warm regions and does not like the cold. In winter, bring it into a bright indoor spot and water much less, keeping the soil on the dry side. Leaves may drop and the branches may look a little duller, but the plant can recover as the weather warms up.

6. 6Handling the white sap

   The white sap that flows when a branch is cut or broken is strongly toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection when working on the plant, and keep it out of reach of pets and small children. If sap touches your skin, rinse it off with plenty of water, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

7. 7Choosing a healthy plant

   Look for a plant whose branches are firm and glossy green, with no wrinkling, blackening, damage, or stickiness. This species drops its leaves quickly, so a lack of leaves is not a sign of poor health. Also check that the base is stable and that the overall shape is well balanced.

牛乳樹的常見問題

Q.Can beginners grow it?

A.Yes, it is rated as suitable for beginners. If you keep it in a bright place, water only after the soil dries, and protect it from the cold in winter, it is an easy plant to grow.

Q.Is the white sap dangerous?

A.Yes, the sap is strongly toxic and needs careful handling. Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting or repotting, and keep the plant away from pets and small children. If sap touches you, rinse it off with plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms continue.

Q.How big does it get?

A.In its native habitat this perennial shrub or small tree grows 5 to 9 m tall. In a pot it reaches about 60 cm to 1.8 m, and you can trim overly long branches during the growing season to control its size.

Q.Is it dead if it has almost no leaves?

A.Not necessarily. This plant drops its leaves quickly, and its green branches are the main feature. If the branches are firm and green, all is well. Wrinkled, blackened, or soft branches may be a sign of overwatering or cold.

Q.Can I grow it indoors?

A.Yes, it can be grown indoors on a bright windowsill. Too little light makes the branches thin and leggy, so choose the brightest spot you can and keep the air moving around the plant.

牛乳樹栽培的實用工具

在圖鑑中詳細了解牛乳樹

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