Pencil Cactus
The Pencil cactus plant (Euphorbia tirucalli, a succulent spurge rather than a true cactus) is also known as Fire Stick Plant, Aveloz, Milk Bush, “Sticks On Fire,” Naked Lady, Indian Tree Spurge and Pencil Tree. It is also known as Petroleum Plant. In Sanskrit it is known as Saptala. This shrub grows in semi arid tropical climates. It is a unique and different looking plant. It is a poisonous plant and the sap of this plant is very toxic which can cause gentle to severe allergic reactions. Its contact with skin can cause severe burning sensation, redness and irritation. This plant also grows as an evergreen plant, so it keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its common names come from the poison “latex”.
Pencil cactus Quick Facts
| Common name | Pencil cactus |
| Scientific name | Euphorbia tirucalli |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Euphorbia |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Type | Evergreen succulent shrub with pencil-thin stems |
| Habitat | Dry areas, semi-arid tropics |
| Native range | Africa, Arabian Peninsula and possibly India |
| Colours | Green stems, yellow flowers; turns red-orange when cool |
| Height | 10–15 ft outdoors; about 6 ft indoors |
| Special feature | Toxic milky sap burns and irritates skin |
Habitat
The Pencil cactus plant is widely distributed in Africa, being widespread in Southern, northeastern and central Africa. Its native status in India is uncertain. It is also found in other parts of the continents, the Arabian Peninsula and as well as some surrounding Islands. It has been also introduced in the tropical regions of the world.
Anatomy
The pencil cactus plant grows in dry areas and it is used as hedging and to feed cattle. The Stems of this plant are green and succulent and about the size of a pencil. And they are branched upwards in a geometrical pattern. It has small leaves and yellow flowers. These stems contain a sap like substance. This plant grows rapidly and can reach up to a height of 10 to 15 feet outdoors, but in an indoor container it can reach up to 6 feet only.
Soil
During the spring and summer season, 50% of the soil in a pencil cactus plant at the top should be allowed to dry out before watering. Cactus soil or quick draining succulent is ideal for this plant to prevent over watering. Soil with an ideal PH of 6.0 is good for the plant.
Planting
The pencil cactus plant should be planted in a large pot for good growth. It enhances its growth rate. This plant is easily propagated by stem cuttings.
Care
The pencil cactus plant requires little care and maintenance. It only requires a little water and bright light or full sunlight to grow well. In the beginning of the summer and the spring season, it requires balance fertilizers. Soil should be a little moist when fertilizers are applied.
Water
This plant is a very drought resistant; so it requires water once in a month. In the winter and fall season, it does not require moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
The Pencil Cactus plant requires warm temperature between 65 to 70 degrees during the whole year. When resting in winter season, it prefers cooler temperature of 50 degrees.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is fairly pest resistant and is rarely affected by disease.
Uses
In many cultures, the Pencil cactus Plant is used in traditional medicines. It has traditionally been used in folk remedies in various countries such as India, Brazil, Malaysia and Indonesia, although these uses are not supported by scientific evidence. It is used as landscaping and large houseplants in many parts of the world. As the weather cools, it turns into red-orange color; this change makes it an attractive ornamental plant.
After handling the pencil cactus plant, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any sap. Protection of the eyes is also necessary.
Pencil cactus FAQs
Is pencil cactus poisonous?
Yes. The milky sap is very toxic and can cause burning, redness and irritation on the skin. Wash your hands with soap after touching it and protect your eyes.
How tall does pencil cactus grow?
Outdoors it can reach 10 to 15 feet tall because it grows fast. In a pot indoors it usually stops at about 6 feet.
How often should you water pencil cactus?
Very little. It is very drought resistant and only needs water about once a month, and even less in fall and winter.
Why is it also called fire stick plant?
As the weather cools, the green stems turn a red-orange colour, which makes the plant look like glowing sticks on fire. That gives it names like ‘sticks on fire’.
How do you grow a new pencil cactus?
It is easy to grow from stem cuttings. Give it bright light or full sun and cactus soil that drains quickly.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
