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Pencil cactus
Also known as: Aveloz, Pencil tree, Naled lady
Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.
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Toxic to Human & Pets
Toxicity
Perennial
Lifespan
Succulent, Shrub, Tree
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer
Bloom Time
Spring
Harvest Time
2 m to 9 m
Plant Height
10 cm to 25 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
2 mm
Flower Size
Brown, Green, Copper
Fruit Color
Green, Yellow
Flower Color
Green, Brown, Orange
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Slow
Growth Rate

Images of Pencil cactus

Distribution of Pencil cactus

Distribution Map
Pencil cactus is a small tree native to Central and Southern Africa and parts of the Indian Subcontinent. This plant grows in black clay soils and arid conditions. It is also widely grown in ornamental gardens in warm climates and is often used as a hedging plant, despite its toxic sap.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Dry bushland thickets, brushwood, open woodland, grassland
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Environmental Protection Value
It helps green afforestation and soil protection. Acorn peperomia trees can also control pests.
Economic Value
Acorn peperomia emulsion can be directly made, or mixed with other substances, to form crude oil as fuel oil instead of petroleum.
Garden Use
Very common in Mediterranean, coastal, and drought-tolerant gardens, the pencil cactus can also be used in beds, borders, and containers. The succulent resembles sea coral, with green stems that transition into yellow, orange, and red colors, which gardeners prize. It is also valued for its resiliency to pests, disease, salt, and animals. The pencil cactus is an excellent accompaniment to succulents such as the Kiwi aeonium, Blue Chalksticks senecio, and the stonecrop sedum.
Symbolism
Admiration, pure love
Interesting Facts
Most people plant pencil cactus for its leaves. In fact, the silver dollar plant has a small probability of blooming. Once it blooms, it can last for more than 100 days. Under careful care, pencil cactus will bloom sooner or later.
Name Story
Pencil cactus: It is called a pencil cactus because of the diameter of the stem is equivalent to a pencil. The new branches of the plant are usually slightly pink. You may see that the leaves appearing as the branches sprout. Sadly, they disappear once the branches mature.
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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Pencil cactus, including the following common varieties :

Toxicity

The pencil cactus is highly toxic to humans and pets. Its milky sap causes severe itchiness, burns, and potential blindness upon contact with eyes. Ingesting any part may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pencil cactus is moderately toxic to dogs, causing gastrointestinal distress and painful rashes. Temporary blindness is possible if sap contacts eyes.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Pencil cactus

Quickly Identify Pencil cactus

1
Cylindrical green branchlets turn bright orange in sunlight.
2
Tiny oblanceolate leaves cluster at branch ends, dropping off later.
3
Dry dehiscent capsules contain variegated ovoid seeds with distinctive markings.
4
Inconspicuous yellow flowers emerge in clusters atop branchlets with showy bracts.
5
Robust trunk branches into woody primary limbs and fragile green secondary stems.
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Care Guide for Pencil cactus

Every 3 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Succulent & Cactus Soil
Soil Type
Water: Pencil cactus thrives in arid climates with excellent drought tolerance, requiring watering only once every three weeks. It prefers well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging and, as an evergreen, retains its lush appearance year-round despite minimal watering.
Fertilize: Fertilize pencil cactus with balanced succulent food at quarter strength every 4 weeks during the growing season. Cease fertilization in winter dormancy to reduce stress. Always apply to moist soil and adjust feeding based on pencil cactus's growth response.
Propagation: Pencil cactus propagates well through stem cuttings. Allow the cut end to dry until calloused, then plant in well-draining soil. Provide bright, indirect light and warmth for root development. Handle with care due to irritating milky sap.
Repotting: Repot pencil cactus every 2-3 years in spring before growth. It grows up to 6ft tall with pencil-thick branches. Use a larger container with good drainage, let soil dry before watering, and ensure bright, indirect light for optimal recovery.
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