Plant guide
ミルクブッシュ
Watering rhythm
Every 10–14 days
The Milk Bush is a succulent shrub native to Africa, recognizable by its milky white sap. It produces thick, tiny leaves densely along its stems, creating a distinctive and charming appearance. It thrives in heat and tolerates drought beautifully, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
A bright windowsill is ideal. This plant loves direct sunlight, though intense summer rays can scorch the leaves, so filtered light through a sheer curtain is a safe bet. It prefers temperatures between 15–25°C and should never be exposed to anything below 10°C. Keep humidity on the lower side.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 8–12 days
Summer
Every 8–12 days
Autumn
Every 10–14 days
Winter
Every 18–28 days
Water only after the soil surface has dried out. Since this is a succulent, overwatering is the quickest way to rot the roots. Pour water until it drains from the bottom holes, then discard any water sitting in the saucer. In winter, hold back on watering and keep the soil on the drier side.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turn yellow and drop off | Either you've been watering too generously and roots are beginning to rot, or the plant has been exposed to temperatures below 10°C. | Check how wet the soil is, and if root rot is present, consider repotting. In winter, move the plant to a warmer spot. |
| Stems become thin and leggy | The plant isn't getting enough light and is stretching to find it. The spot it's in simply doesn't have enough brightness. | Move it to a brighter location. New growth will improve right away. You can also thin out existing stems if needed. |
| Whole plant wilts and leaves feel soft | Root rot has set in. This often happens when watering is too frequent during winter. | Take the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots. Remove any black, mushy sections, then repot it in fresh soil. |
| Tiny reddish bugs appear on the plant | Spider mites have shown up. They love dry conditions, so this plant is particularly vulnerable to them. | Check the undersides of leaves carefully and remove the pests with sticky tape. If the infestation is severe, consider using an insecticide. |
| Upper stem becomes pale and mushy | Sap is leaking from the plant, and bacteria have likely entered through the damaged area. This is a secondary infection following injury or disease. | Gently wipe the affected area clean and improve air circulation. If it spreads, trim away the damaged section and let the cut dry thoroughly. |
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