Euphorbia tirucalli
The Pencil Cactus, also known as "pencil tree" or "milk bush", is a unique shrubby succulent, prized for its slender, cylindrical, intense green stems that lack true leaves. These smooth branches perform photosynthesis, giving it an architectural and minimalist appearance highly valued in modern landscaping and interior decoration for its unique form.
It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and originates from the semi-arid tropical regions of Africa and parts of India. In its natural habitat, it can grow into a large tree, although in pots it typically remains a moderately growing compact shrub. It is evolutionarily adapted to survive extreme drought conditions thanks to its ability to store water in its fleshy, cylindrical stems.
A critical characteristic of this species is its milky white sap (latex), which is highly toxic and irritating upon contact with skin, eyes, or if ingested. Despite this, it is popular for its very low maintenance and ease of propagation through cuttings. It is an ideal plant for low-water gardens in warm climates and for those seeking a resilient indoor plant that tolerates periods of neglect.
Scarce, only when substrate is dry (every 15-20 days).
Full sun or very bright filtered light (minimum 6 hours).
Warm, avoid frost and temperatures below 10°C.
Cactus mix with excellent drainage (sand, perlite, peat).
Diluted succulent fertilizer once a month in spring.
Its white sap is a caustic latex that can cause temporary blindness if it touches the eyes.
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