Are you on the hunt for a unique and eye-catching succulent to add to your collection? Look no further than the Pencil Cactus, also known as Euphorbia tirucalli 'Fire Stick' (Sticks on fire) resembles sea coral and grows in bushes of brilliantly colored, loosely branching, linear stems.
When exposed to direct sunlight, the tips turn red, which is why they are also called Firesticks. This striking firestick plant boasts vibrant yellow, pink, or orange blooms in the summer and spring, making it a true showstopper in any garden. With minimal water and full sun exposure requirements, this perennial succulent is perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance addition to their garden or indoor space.
Hailing from Southern Africa and reaching heights of up to 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity, the Pencil Cactus is sure to make a statement wherever it's planted. However, it's important to note that this plant is toxic for humans and pets, so handle it cautiously!
Euphorbia plants can probably be successfully grown if you've previously grown any other perennial succulent species. Furthermore, if you are just starting out, you should know that many succulent species can tolerate neglect. In that situation, a pencil cactus is a fantastic option for you.
This drought-tolerant species is low maintenance and easy to care for. These firesticks succulents require some initial care, but once established, they are self-sufficient. Contrary to neglect, excessive care and watering often result in the death of succulents.
Watering Needs
This pencil cactus plant can withstand droughts and doesn't need to be watered frequently to survive. Watering these perennial succulents should be done every 3-4 weeks or when the soil feels dry. Let the soil completely dry out between waterings, and if in doubt, give it a little more time before watering again. Less water is needed for humid locations and for indoor spaces. Pay attention to how the plant looks and adjust the watering accordingly.
Remember that succulents in the desert can go for weeks or even months without water, so water them sparingly during their rest phase and moderately during their active growing season.
Pro Tip: Most people like to see the red tips that give this plant its firestick name. Note, it is stress that causes the tips to go red, so the art is to stress the plant a bit but not too much. So, give it a lot of light and water it less than other succulents, so it is thirsty but not dying of thirst.
Overwatering can also cause the plant tips to turn red, but it can lead to root rot and other problems. So, if your pencil cactus is not turning red in full sun, it's possible that it's not experiencing enough stress to produce the anthocyanin pigments, or that it's receiving too much water. It's important to monitor the plant's water needs and adjust accordingly to prevent overwatering or extreme underwatering.
Light Requirements
Like most succulents, Euphorbia Tirucalli needs to thrive, so choose the brightest area in the house. If you are growing these succulents outdoors, make sure that it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Potted indoor plants require four hours of direct sunlight, which can be achieved by locating them on a sunny south or west-facing windowsill.
Partial shade may be tolerated as long as the plant gets the majority of the sunlight that it needs when it's planted outside. This succulent plant won't thrive if left in the shade for a long time. Its colors become more vibrant the more sunlight it receives. The stems of firesticks are as thin as pencils and turn a fire-red in the winter. In low light conditions, the firestick succulent will still maintain its bright red color, but the intensity of color may be reduced. The color is mostly green in shade. In order to avoid sunburn, it is preferable to acclimatize the plant first before moving it outdoors or increasing the amount of sunlight it receives.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The firestick Euphorbia is a succulent plant that likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.5 - 6.5, succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil. Soggy wet soil can damage your succulent and contributes to bacterial and fungal rot. In addition, because of a lack of oxygen, soggy soil substitutes air pockets with water, resulting in an anaerobic environment that can kill your plant.
As an alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil. Ideally, you want to use our that contains over 10 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
Hardiness Zones & More
Euphorbia Tirucalli is a frost-sensitive succulent. It can withstand light frost for a short period of time. It performs well in temperatures above 30 °F (-1.1 °C). However, it can withstand temperatures below that, but only for short periods of time. If you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, you can leave this succulent outside all year and even plant it in the ground. Growing these pencil cacti in containers is the best option if you live in an area with harsh winters.
By doing this, you can bring them indoors during the winter or any time there's a chance of frost or snow. Normal house humidity is fine for this Euphorbia, but it prefers dry conditions. By providing your pencil cactus with the proper conditions, you'll have a beautiful and unique plant that will thrive for years to come.
