![]() Euphorbia tirucalli L., a tree with C 3/CAM metabolism in leaves/stem, can be cultivated on marginal, arid land and could be a good alternative source of biofuel. This, together with a rise in land degeneration problems with concomitant loss in soil fertility has inspired the scientific world to look for alternative bio-energy species. Climate change has brought problems such as increased drought and erratic rains. The cactus will hit your ceiling in just a few years, so don’t be afraid to prune it and use the cuttings to make new pencil cactus plants.Of late, decrease in mineral oil supplies has stimulated research on use of biomass as an alternative energy source. Once new growth commences, gradually introduce the plant to higher light and reduce watering. Insert the cuttings into the medium at least an inch (2.5 cm.) deep and mist.Ĭaring for a pencil cactus cutting requires low light and slightly more moisture than fully established plants. Take cuttings with a sterile razor blade and let them dry for two days to form a callus. You will need small pots, a soilless medium to prevent rot and pathogens and a misting bottle. Great care must be taken when harvesting and planting these to avoid the sap, but the cuttings will root readily. Pencil cactus is very easy to propagate with cuttings. In most cases it can be cleared up with antihistamine but occasionally more severe reactions occur and are difficult to clear. Even eye protection is necessary because the pencil cactus plant produces a toxin that can cause an anaphylactic reaction. Allow the plant to dry out between irrigations.Ĭare must be taken when caring for a pencil cactus to avoid the sap. It will need water approximately every two to three weeks in summer but no water in winter. (18 C.) or warmer are necessary when learning how to care for a pencil cactus. Full sun and temperatures of at least 65 F. The container to use could be an unglazed pot which will allow excess moisture to evaporate.Įuphorbia plants are quite adapted to limited fertility environments, and care of pencil cactus requires only one fertilization in spring. The soil must be slightly gritty and well draining. How to Care for a Pencil CactusĪ pencil cactus needs very little care and can even be neglected if it’s planted and situated correctly. The new growth on the ends may be tinged pink and have tiny leaves which disappear as the branch matures. The branches are the diameter of a pencil, which give rise to the name. The stems are slender and slightly toothed with no obvious foliage. Euphorbia tirucalli, or pencil cactus, is a tropical plant that may become 30 feet (9 m.) tall in habitat. The plant is ideal for sunny warm spots indoors or greenhouse growing. The pencil cactus is a large plant native to Africa and India. Let’s learn how to grow pencil cactus in your home. It is an excellent houseplant and provides an interesting silhouette. The pencil cactus needs high levels of light and moderately low moisture. Be cautious when caring for a pencil cactus the sap is toxic and may cause problems in some people. ![]() ![]() ![]() Another common name for the plant is Milkbush due to the cloudy sap it releases when injured. ![]() The pencil cactus plant is in the Euphorbia family of succulents. ![]()
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