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Bright indirect to direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute). A south or west-facing window is ideal. The more sun it gets, the more the stem tips color up on 'Fire Sticks' cultivars.Light
Let the soil dry out completely before watering. water thoroughly (water until it drains out the bottom. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water), then ignore it for one to several weeks. This plant will die from overwatering long before underwatering.Water
Low humidity is fine. This is a semi-arid plant - no misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective), no pebble trays.Humidity
60-85°F (16-29°C) daytime; no lower than 50°F at night. Hardy outdoors only in USDA Zones 11-12, with some tolerance in Zone 10.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Euphorbia tirucalli plant

Milkbush

Euphorbia tirucalli

Easy

Milkbush is a succulent shrub or small tree that looks exactly like someone glued a bunch of pencils together — slim, cylindrical, bright green stems with no leaves to speak of, branching outward from a woody trunk. In the wild it can reach 30 feet; indoors it stays a more manageable 2–6 feet. Certain cultivars earn the 'Fire Sticks' name when stem tips flush vivid orange, red, and pink in strong sunlight.

Euphorbia tirucalli plant
Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbia tirucalli plant
Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Milkbush

Light

Bright indirect to direct sun

Water

Let the soil dry out completely before watering.

Humidity

Low humidity is fine.

Temperature

60-85°F

Soil

Coarse, fast-draining cactus mix with

Propagation

Stem cuttings.

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering, spider

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Despite the name 'Pencil Cactus,' this plant is not a cactus at all — it is a Euphorbia, more closely related to poinsettia than to any cactus family member.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Highly toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. The abundant milky white latex sap is one of the most irritating plant substances known. Skin contact causes burning and severe irritation. Eye contact can cause temporary or permanent corneal damage. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Wear disposable gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves any time you prune or repot. Sap remains irritating on dried clothing for hours.

Sources

  1. Euphorbia tirucalli Toxicity - StatPearls / NCBI (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Euphorbia tirucalli Toxicity — StatPearls / NCBI (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Euphorbia tirucalli — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Pencil Cactus (Milkbush) — University of Arkansas Extension (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Euphorbia tirucalli - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  6. Pencil Cactus (Milkbush) - University of Arkansas Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
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