We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Pencil Cactus?

By M. Rosario
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 12,382
Share

Contrary to its name, the pencil cactus plant is not really a cactus. It is actually a member of the Euphorbiaceae family of succulents. The name pencil cactus came from the plant's characteristic thin spindles, which are used to store water to help the plant survive the arid desert climate. This plant goes by many names, including milk bush plant, petroleum plant, and Indian tree spurge. Cacti and succulents enthusiasts usually collect it for ornamental purposes.

The pencil cactus is a tropical plant that originated in parts of Asia and Africa. The plant was brought to western countries by collectors who prized the plant's unique appearance. When exposed to the sun, its normally green stems often gain a red orange color. This gave the plant the nickname "firestick."

Growing a pencil cactus often requires relatively little maintenance. Watering it a few times a month is enough for it to grow. The grower must ensure that the plant will not be overwatered. Succulents naturally absorb and retain large amounts of liquid, giving them a high risk of drowning.

Just like most houseplants, pencil cacti need sufficient light for them to grow properly. If no natural light is available, a strong artificial light may be used instead. Pencil cacti are fast growers. If left untrimmed, they can grow from 15 to 30 feet (4.572 to 9.144 m) in height. Adequate space must be reserved if the grower wants the plant to grow to its full size.

The stems can be pruned to control the desired size and shape of the plants. Unlike regular plants, the grower should wear gloves and other skin protection before pruning the pencil cactus. This is because whenever the plant's stems are cut or bruised, they emit a caustic white sap as a form of self defense. This is where the name "milk bush" came from.

When the sap comes into contact with the skin, it can lead to irritation or allergic reactions. The effect can range from mild rashes to anaphylactic shock. One characteristic of the pencil cactus is that it produces more sap compared to other succulents of the Euphorbiaceae family. This, together with its numerous stems, increases the chance of contact with the sap during pruning.

Growers should always check if they will have extreme allergic reactions to the plant's sap before they grow it. Children and pets are more susceptible to the sap's effect. Careful considerations must be taken as to where the plant will be placed should the grower decide to cultivate it.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-pencil-cactus.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.