PENCIL CACTUS
The Pencil Cactus, scientifically known as Euphorbia tirucalli, is a striking succulent. Despite its name, it is not a true cactus but rather a member of the Euphorbia family. This unique plant features slender, upright stems that resemble pencils, hence its common name. The stems are typically green but can turn reddish-orange under stress or in bright sunlight.
Planting & CareÂ
Sunlight: Pencil cacti thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil: Use well-draining soil formulated for cacti and succulents. A mixture of cactus potting mix or sandy soil with perlite or coarse sand works well to provide proper drainage.
Watering:Â Pencil cacti are drought-tolerant plants that prefer to dry out between waterings. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Temperature: These cacti prefer warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. Keep them in an environment where the temperature stays above 50°F (10°C) at all times.
Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly during the growing season, typically from spring to early fall. Once every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient.
Potting: Plant your pencil cactus in a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Repotting may be necessary every couple of years as the plant grows.
Pruning: Pencil cacti can grow quite tall and leggy over time. Prune them back to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth.
