Let’s find out which pencil cactus is easy to grow.

 An easy-to-care plant, the pencil cactus is very popular due to its beautiful appearance and thornless appearance. I will tell you in detail about the origin and ecology of this pencil cactus, how to grow it, how to manage it, how to water it, and what to watch out for.

 

“Please recommend plants that are easy to grow.”

 

 For those who are afraid of growing plants, what are “easy-to-grow plants”? You start by thinking about the question: However, this question is one that can lead to strange answers. Most standards for those easy-to-grow plants are based on “how often you water them.” However, I think the difficulty of a plant actually depends on how well the plant adapts to the environment rather than when to water it. Some plants get sick even if they are moved just a little bit. The reason why I say this is that cacti and succulents are easy to water, but they look very different depending on the environment. In particular, if succulents are placed in a place with strong direct sunlight, they will grow long and wispy, which will soon ruin the pretty tree shape. So, asking whether a plant is easy to grow is actually not the right question.

 

The pencil cactus has a unique charm with its green segmented stems.(Photo by. Mung flower garden)

 

What about the pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)...

 Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a succulent plant species belonging to the genus Euphorbia. This plant is commonly called “Pencil Tree”, “Aveloz”, “Milk Bush”, etc. It is called Pecil cactus because its shape looks like pencils stuck in it.

 

Where does the pencil cactus come from?

 Pencil cactus belongs to the Euphorbia genus, a large and diverse group of plants with over 2,000 species. That means it's not a cactus. They just call it a pencil cactus because it looks like a cactus, but it is actually a relative of aloe or agave. The scientific name of this plant species is Euphorbia tirucalli, and it is said that it was first named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. They are also called "Sticks on Fire" because they turn red or orange when exposed to sunlight for a long time. This plant species is a tropical plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and India.

 

How long does the pencil cactus grow?

 

 It is known that pencil cactus can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has green, cylindrical stems that are segmented and up to 5 cm in diameter. The stems are covered with small oval leaves that fall during the dry season. The plant also produces small greenish-yellow flowers clustered in inflorescences at the ends of branches. Of course, in small pots at home, they grow to about 1 meter, and some ornamental pencil cacti grow to 2 to 3 meters.

 

What kind of environment does a pencil cactus like?

 Although this plant is tropical, it is a hardy plant species that can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. So, as I said before, it is an easy plant to grow. As for the plant's native region, it is commonly found in arid and semi-arid areas, including savannas, grasslands, and rocky slopes. Of course, it can also be grown in tropical and subtropical areas with high rainfall. However, when planting in a pot, it must be designed with well-draining soil. If the soil is wet, the roots can easily dissolve.

 

What was the pencil cactus used for?

 Pencil cactus has been used in Africa to treat a variety of ailments, including warts, tumors, and snake bites. The plant's sap contains a variety of compounds, including diterpenes and phorbol esters, which have been shown to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. This information is used in traditional medicine, so be sure to consult a doctor if using it for therapeutic purposes. Pencil cactus is also used for various commercial purposes. The plant's latex is used to make rubber, and the stems are also used as firewood and building materials. Of course, due to the unique and beautiful shape of this plant, it is also used for landscaping and ornamental purposes.

 

Toxicity of Pencil Cactus

 Although pencil cactus has many beneficial properties, it is also toxic. As with all rubber-based liquids, the latex of this plant can cause skin irritation and serious eye damage if it comes in contact with the skin or eyes. Consuming the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, you need to be careful in places where there are children or animals.

 

Pencil Cactus Reproduction

 

 Pencil cactus can be propagated from stem cuttings, which must be cut and allowed to dry for a few days before planting a new plant. When planting, make sure to plant in well-draining soil and place in a location with plenty of sunlight.

Notes on Pencil Cactus

 

 Pencil cactus has spread to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant, but keep in mind that it is an invasive species in some areas, including South Africa, Australia, and parts of the United States, so you may be in trouble if you bring it there.