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Discover essential Pencil Cactus care tips, including how to propagate this unique houseplant safely. Learn about its milky sap and different ways to propagate pencil cactus!
The Pencil Cactus is a beautiful succulent plant belonging to the Euphorbia family. The botanical name is Euphorbia tirucalli. It is also known as aveloz, firestick plant, Indian tree spurge, naked lady, pencil tree, and so on.
Why It Is Called Pencil Cactus?
It is a beautiful ornamental houseplant and gives an interesting look because the stems are slender and look like branching pencils with no obvious leaves. Actually, tiny leaves appear initially and then fall off.
Pencil Cactus is actually not a cactus. The term “cactus” is a misnomer, and it is actually a succulent plant. If you want to learn the basics of succulents and cacti, I have a separate playlist on succulents and cacti.
This plant is native to Africa and thrives in arid environments, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens.
The Pencil Cactus can grow up to 30 feet tall in its natural habitat but typically remains much smaller when grown as a houseplant.
The branches are green and photosynthetic, and they can turn a bright red or orange hue when exposed to full sunlight, giving the plant a fiery appearance, hence the name “firestick plant.”
Toxicity and Safety
It is also called Milk-bush because of the milky sap or juice it secretes when cut or damaged. Be careful while handling this plant, as the sap is toxic and can sometimes cause anaphylactic reactions – acute allergic reactions.
Despite its beauty, the Pencil Cactus should be handled with care. The milky sap it exudes when cut or damaged is toxic and can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and severe discomfort if ingested.
It is advisable to wear gloves and protective eyewear when pruning or handling the plant to avoid contact with the sap.
Pencil Cactus Care Tips
Pencil Cactus plant requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for beginners and busy gardeners. It’s a visually striking and low-maintenance plant that can add a unique touch to any indoor or outdoor garden. With proper care, this resilient succulent can thrive and become a conversation piece in any collection. Let us discuss care tips for pencil cactus one by one:
Watering
It’s a succulent plant and requires minimal watering.
Water once, or a maximum of twice a week, even in the summer season. You can also use the Finger-Dip method to water the plant. Dip your finger to check moisture and water it, only if the top 1 – 2 inches of soil is completely dry.
In winter, during its dormant period, it hardly needs any watering.
Soil
The soil must be well-draining, or you can use a succulent and cactus potting mix.
The container should have plenty of drainage holes to prevent excess moisture.
Make sure you change the potting mix to a well-draining succulent mix once you bring the plant home from the nursery.
Sunlight
This plant needs full sunlight and warmer temperatures for optimal growth. The plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but tolerates direct sunlight better. However, too much direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can scorch the leaves, so it’s important to find a balance.
If it is too hot for noon sunlight, you might consider installing a green shadenet to protect it or filter the sun to about 50%.
Fertilizer
Pencil Cactus is a succulent and needs very little feeding. You can add about 10 percent compost like decomposed cow-dung to the potting mix while repotting, or add some compost on top of the soil once every 3 to 6 months, though this is optional.
Fertilize the plant sparingly. During the growing season, which typically spans from spring to early fall, you can feed it with a diluted, balanced fertilizer once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the winter dormancy period.
Pest Control
Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealybugs or spider mites. If you notice any, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Pruning
Pruning is generally minimal for succulents. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth and prevent potential pest issues.
If the plant starts to outgrow its container, it’s best to repot it in the spring, using fresh potting mix.
Propagating Pencil Cactus
How to propagate Pencil Cactus from cuttings. It is very easy to propagate this plant with it’s stem or branch cuttings. The plant you see here was grown from a cutting from a large mother plant.
How to Propagate Pencil Cactus for 100% Results
Take a healthy branch cutting from a larger pencil cactus tree.
Leave this in a shady place for about 2 to 3 days for the callous formation of the cut end. The callous formation is similar to wound scab formation in humans. It seals the end, which helps prevent fungus or bacterial attack. This is basically to prevent rotting and to achieve 100% success in rooting Pencil cactus cuttings.
Now insert this stem cutting into clean sandy soil or cocopeat, and it will root very easily in about 2 to 3 weeks, even without using any rooting hormone. You can optionally use a rooting hormone if desired.
Insert the stem to a depth of at least two inches for best results.
After Planting
After inserting the cutting, leave it in shade or indirect light for about 1 to 2 months or until you see good new growth or shooting.
Common Questions About Pencil Cactus
Q: How do you properly grow a pencil cactus plant?
A: To grow a pencil cactus plant, place the plant in an area with direct sun and well-draining soil. The pencil cactus prefers a spot where the soil can dry out completely between waterings. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot.
Q: What is the best way to propagate a pencil cactus?
A: To propagate a pencil cactus, take a stem cutting from the parent plant. Allow the cutting to dry out completely before planting it in a new cactus mix. Use a well-draining soil and water lightly. Successful propagation requires care and attention to prevent overwatering.
Q: How often should you water a pencil cactus plant?
A: Water a pencil cactus plant lightly and only when the soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This plant prefers minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance houseplant.
Q: When should you repot your pencil cactus?
A: Repot your pencil cactus when you notice the plant has outgrown its current pot or when the soil is no longer well-draining. Choose a pot size slightly larger than the previous one and use a new cactus mix with ample drainage holes. Repotting is typically done every 2-3 years.
Q: What kind of soil is great for your pencil cactus?
A: The best soil for a pencil cactus is a well-draining cactus mix. This type of soil prevents water retention, which is crucial to avoid root rot and ensure healthy plant growth. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes as well.
Q: Can you grow a pencil cactus indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow a pencil cactus indoors. Place the plant in a spot that receives plenty of direct sun. Ensure that the indoor environment is free from cool drafts and the soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: What should you be cautious of when handling a pencil cactus plant?
A: When handling a pencil cactus plant, care should be taken because the sap of the pencil cactus is irritating to the skin. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant.
Q: How much sunlight does a pencil cactus need?
A: A pencil cactus needs plenty of direct sun to thrive. Place the plant in a sunny spot where it can receive abundant light throughout the day. Insufficient sunlight can hinder the plant’s growth and health.
Q: What are common pests that affect pencil cactus plants?
A: Common pests that affect pencil cactus plants include aphids. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of pests and treat them promptly with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies to maintain plant health.
Q: How do you fertilize a pencil cactus plant?
A: Fertilize a pencil cactus plant sparingly using a balanced houseplant fertilizer like cow-dung compost during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage and frequency on the fertilizer package.
Please Watch this video below on How to Grow Pencil Cactus.
