#Pencil stick cactus how to
#Pencil stick cactus skin

Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by GenusĬlick on a photo to see a larger version.The Pencil Cactus, contrary to popular belief, is not a cactus.

It is suggested to wear eye protection gear and gloves for handling the plant. If ingested, it can cause burns to the mouth, lips, and tongue.

#Pencil stick cactus skin

Skin contact causes severe irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. Exposure to it can cause blindness lasting several days. tirucalli contains a milky sap that is extremely irritating to the skin and mucosa and is toxic.

#Pencil stick cactus how to

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia. They tend to grow problem-free, but a few pests and diseases are to be alert for. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. These succulents can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find).

Feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly if you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. Water deeply, but don't let them sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. Water whenever the soil is dry several inches below the surface. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. They are not particular about soil pH, but they cannot tolerate wet soil. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and lots of sunlight. More die from too much care and watering than from neglect. These plants require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. How to Grow and CareĮuphorbias are very easy to care for. Fruits are tripartite capsules, pale green with a pink tinge, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, and covered with soft hairs. They appear during the cooler months of the year. Flowers are yellow, inconspicuous, and carried in clusters at the apex of the short branches or in the angles of the branches. When new, the stems bear up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long leaves that soon drop. Stems are fleshy, smooth, green, cylindrical, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter, and often produced in whorls. African Milk Bush, Finger Euphorbia, Finger Tree, Firestick Plants, Indian Tree Spurge, Milk Bush, Milk Hedge, Naked Lady, Pencil Bush, Pencil Cactus, Pencil Euphorbia, Pencil Tree, Petroleum Plant, Rubber Euphorbia, Rubber Hedge Euphorbia, Rubber Hedge Plant, Sticks on Fire, Fire Stick Plant Synonym(s)Īrthrothamnus tirucalli, Euphorbia geayi, Euphorbia laro, Euphorbia media, Euphorbia rhipsaloides, Euphorbia scoparia, Euphorbia suareziana, Euphorbia viminalis, Tirucalia indica, Tirucalia tirucalli Scientific ClassificationĮuphorbia tirucalli is a succulent shrub or small tree that usually grows up to 16.5 feet (5 m) tall but occasionally may reach up to 33 feet (10 m).