Pencil Cactus: Plant Care and Growing Guide
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How to Grow the Pencil Cactus
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The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is an interesting shrub with succulent foliage, native to semi-arid tropical climates. It can grow a lot in nature. Mature plants have thick brown branches with clusters of smaller green branches at their ends, which are cylindrical in shape and the thickness of a pencil (hence the plant's common name).
On the branches, there are oval leaves that reach 2.5 centimeters long. Also, in late spring and early summer, small flowers appear at the ends of green branches. This plant lacks the sharp spines commonly found on many cacti.
The pencil cactus is generally grown as a houseplant, although care must be taken due to its toxic components. Although you can generally start a houseplant year-round, it's best to plant it early in the spring growing season. And, unlike many cacti, this plant has a very fast growth rate.
Botanical Name | Euphorbia tirucalli |
Common Names | Pencil cactus, Indian tree spurge, pencil tree, milk bush |
Plant Type | Shrub |
Mature Size | 20–30 ft. tall, 6–10 ft. wide (outdoors), up to 6 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide (indoors) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
Soil pH | Acidic, neutral |
Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
Flower Color | Yellow |
Hardiness Zones | 11–12 (USDA) |
Native Area | Africa, Asia |
Toxicity | Toxic to pets and people |
Pencil Cactus Care
The pencil cactus requires incredibly low maintenance and can withstand a lot of neglect. There are also usually no problems with pests or diseases. If you tend to travel a lot and don't have time to regularly care for a houseplant, this may be the plant for you.
Generally, watering this plant is only necessary a few times a month during the hottest parts of the year and even less during the colder months. And fertilization is usually done annually. Other maintenance might involve pruning dead stems as needed and replanting potted plants as they outgrow their pots.
Light
The pencil cactus prefers to grow in full sun, which means at least six hours of sunlight on most days. However, it can tolerate some shade and may even enjoy some protection from the afternoon sun. Indoors, grow near your brightest window.
Soil
This plant loves dry, sandy soils that are not very rich in nutrients. Potted plants work well with a succulent or cactus potting mix that doesn't retain moisture.
Water
Watering with this succulent is very easy. You only need water every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Reduce watering to monthly in fall and winter. It is preferable to let the soil dry completely between waterings to avoid excess water. This plant is very drought tolerant and too much water can rot its roots.
Temperature and humidity
The pencil cactus thrives in warm temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures around the plant should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Indoors, be sure to protect your plant from cold drafts, including from an air conditioner. The plant also thrives in low humidity. But a higher humidity level shouldn't bother, as long as the soil doesn't retain moisture.
Fertilizer
This plant is not a heavy feeder. Feed your pencil cactus a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer in the spring, and it should be fine for the rest of the year.
Is the Pencil Cactus Toxic?
Protective clothing, especially thick gloves, and eye protection are always recommended when working with a pencil cactus. Also, the plant should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
This is because the sap inside the pencil cactus, which can be released when a stem breaks, is toxic to people and pets. Toxicity can occur by ingestion of the sap or by contact with the skin.
Symptoms of Poisoning
When the sap reaches the skin of a person or animal, it can cause redness, burning, rashes, blisters, and other irritations. It can be especially dangerous to get the sap in your eyes. In addition to being very painful and causing redness and swelling, blindness from the toxin can occur.
When ingested, pencil cactus can cause severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting, and diarrhea. Swallowing large amounts can be fatal, but the unpleasant taste of the plant generally prevents this from happening.
Furthermore, the toxin can also cause an anaphylactic reaction in allergic people and animals. If you suspect poisoning, contact a medical professional immediately for emergency care.
Propagating the Pencil Cactus
A pencil cactus can be easily propagated from cuttings. Always wear protective clothing during this process. Take a cut from a green branch about 6 inches long and dip it in freshwater to stop the flow of sap.
Then let the cutting dry for about a week and form a callus over the end of the cutting before placing it in a succulent or cactus mix.
Potting and Repotting the Pencil Cactus
When growing your pencil cactus in a container, it's best to choose an unglazed terracotta pot that will allow excess moisture to evaporate through its walls, and make sure there are ample drainage holes in the pot.
The plant can handle being a bit cramped in the pot. But once the roots fill the container, plan to move your plant to larger pot size. Make sure the soil is dry before you start replanting.
Gently remove the plant from the pot and remove excess soil. Trim roots that look shriveled and dead or black and rotten. Next, place the pencil cactus in its new pot and fill it with fresh potting mix. Wait about a week before watering the plant.
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Enjoy This Video Tutorial About Cactus Plant
Source: Summer Rayne Oakes
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