Pencil Cactus Plant

Euphorbia tirucalli

The unusual and exotic pencil cactus plant is very easy to grow as long as it receives sufficient light. The plant is a mass of pencil thick shiny green stems which jut from the thicker main stems at every conceivable angle. Tiny leaves will sometimes appear along the stems.

Euphorbia tirucalli performs well in poor, dry soil and can grow into a tree 30 feet tall in just a few years.

In Zimbabwe it is known as rubber hedge and it is used for thick, zero maintenance hedges.

Pencil Cactus Toxicity

But be warned: When cut, the stems bleed a toxic white latex which can cause temporary blindness if it gets into your eyes or blistering if it comes into contact with your skin.

Some people have had an *anaphylactic reaction to contact with the latex from this plant. Use protective clothing and goggles when pruning it.

Growing Pencil Tree Cactus

Plant it in fast draining soil and don't provide supplemental water except during long periods of drought.

Feed Euphorbia tirucalli once a month, but only when the soil is moist.

Propagation is easy. Take cuttings of any size and let them dry for a few days before placing them into fast draining soil. Keep them shaded and barely moist until you see new growth. Shift the new plants gradually into higher light.

If you suddenly notice bees swarming around it, it is probably blooming. The flowers are inconspicuous and it is unlikely you would ever notice them otherwise.

*Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that causes your lips and throat to swell, cutting off your airway.

Tiny has this reaction to shellfish. A doctor once told him to keep Benadryl on his person at all times and to take 2 tablets at the first sign of an allergic reaction (usually his lips will tingle before they start to swell).

The antihistamine in the Benadryl stops the reaction. However, this will only work if you take the pills while you can still swallow! If you fail to take them quickly enough, go immediately to the nearest emergency room. Anaphylaxis can quickly kill you.




Crown of Thorns Plant
One of the most widely cultivated Euphorbias is the popular crown of thorns plant. Its stems are off-putting being covered by stout, thickly set gray spines. But many people find the inch-wide red, yellow or pink blooms very inviting.

Orchid Cactus
The orchid cactus is a day-blooming hybrid of the night-blooming cereus. There are several different cultivars available featuring red, white, orange, or yellow flowers.

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