Pencil plant (Euphorbia crassa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pencil plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 20 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–38 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Pencil plant
Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as 'pencil cactus' or 'fire sticks', is a shrubby succulent from the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Africa. It is characterized by its cylindrical, branched, leafless green stems, giving it a sculptural and modern appearance. It is ideal for warm climate gardens, rockeries, or as an indoor plant in large pots, adding an architectural and exotic touch.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
This euphorbia thrives in abundant direct sunlight; a minimum of 6 hours a day is crucial for its growth and coloration. Watering should be sporadic and deep, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Use a very well-draining substrate, specifically for cacti and succulents. A common mistake is overwatering, which quickly leads to stem rot, especially in winter.
How to save a dying Pencil plant
- Warning signs
- Wrinkled, soft, yellow-brown discolored stems, segment drop. Indicates dehydration or rot.
- First aid
- If soft, cut affected parts. If wrinkled, water sparingly, increase indirect light. Check roots.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or low light. Also total lack of light and extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't reached the base or if healthy stems remain for propagation. It's very resilient.