Please make sure JavaScript is enabled.
 
Pencil Cactus in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Euphorbia tirucalli

 

Pencil Cactus

Euphorbia tirucalli (also known as aveloz, firestick plants, Indian tree spurge, naked lady, pencil tree, pencil cactus, sticks on fire or milk bush) is a shrub that grows in semi-arid tropical climates. The pencil tree euphorbia is a many-branched, succulent plant, usually 3-5 m but may reach 10 m on occasion.

Contributed by @lovestogarden

 
plant Features
  • Pencil Cactus likes full sun

    Full sun

  • Pencil Cactus likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Pencil Cactus is a little frost hardy: 32f (0°c)

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Pencil Cactus likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Pencil Cactus

Latin name

Euphorbia tirucalli

type

Succulent

family

Euphorbiaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Pencil Cactus likes full sun

    Full sun

  • Frost

    Pencil Cactus is a little frost hardy: 32f (0°c)

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Soil

    Pencil Cactus likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

  • Water

    Pencil Cactus likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Pencil Cactus is 1.50meters x 5.00meters 1.50 M 5.00 M

Euphorbia tirucalli

Euphorbia tirucalli (also known as aveloz, firestick plants, Indian tree spurge, naked lady, pencil tree, pencil cactus, sticks on fire or milk bush) is a shrub that grows in semi-arid tropical climates. The pencil tree euphorbia is a many-branched, succulent plant, usually 3-5 m but may reach 10 m on occasion.


Propagation

From Early Spring TO Late Winter

The most common form of propagation for succulents is called vegetative propagation. This involves cuttings, where several inches of stem with leaves are cut, allowed some time to heal and after healing produce a callus. After a week or so, roots should grow. Another method is division which involves uprooting an overgrown clump and pulling the stems and roots apart. The easiest method is to allow the formation of a callus from a leaf or segment.

 

Planting

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Succulents need good draining soil. When planting in the garden, make sure the area drains well and is not in a hollow that remains wet. Specially prepared cactus soil can be purchased for planting in pots or incorporate sand, gravel or volcanic rock for better drainage. The container you are planting in should have a drainage hole and it is wise to put crushed rock at the bottom before your planting medium.

 
Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection
 
Gardeners who are growing this plant