Euphorbia tirucalli

Pencil Cactus / Firestick Plant

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Succulent shrub with pencil-like stems, native to tropical Africa. Known for vibrant red/orange color in sun and toxic latex sap.
yard Succulents plants wb_sunny Sun pets Not pet-safe
info Pot sizes shown are estimations. Real dimensions may vary depending on the merchant.
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 1-2 in Out of Stock $22.81 Buy
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 3-4 in Out of Stock $12.99 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in In Stock $15.73 Buy
Amazon.com 3-4 in Out of Stock $16.97 Buy
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 5-6 in In Stock $49.12 Buy
Merchant Pot Size Availability Price
Amazon.com 7-8 in In Stock $143.08 Buy
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Plant Details

Common Name Pencil Cactus / Firestick Plant
Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Species Tirucalli
Origin Tropical Africa
Blooming Rarely flowers indoors, small yellow-green cyathia in summer under optimal conditions.
Leaf Color Green to Red/Orange (varies with light intensity), tiny deciduous leaves
Sunlight Sun
Category Succulents plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Well-draining cactus mix with pumice or perlite to prevent root rot.

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Watering

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce significantly during winter dormancy.

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Sunlight & Care

High light exposure required for color retention; tolerates full sun but may scorch in extreme heat without acclimation.

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Fertilization

Dilute liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (Spring/Summer), stop application in autumn/winter.

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Pruning

Wear gloves when pruning due to toxic irritating sap; remove damaged stems close to the base.

Pest Control Mealybug Scale Insect Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
50° – 100°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
25% – 75%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
1000 – 40000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1200 – 3500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
10% – 40%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
300 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
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Common Problems

Something wrong with your Euphorbia tirucalli? Select a symptom to diagnose and fix the issue.

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