Pencil Cactus, Firesticks, Sticks on Fire, Red Pencil Tree, Milkbush, Finger Tree

Native to tropical and subtropical climates of Madagascar, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, this approximately five-foot tall and wide succulent shines in the landscape like a ball of fire.

An unusual feature is the plant’s tiny blossoms, which are aggregated into a cluster of flowers called a cyathium (plural cyathia). This feature is present in every species of the genus Euphorbia but nowhere else in the plant kingdom. In competition with the inconspicuous flowers are small dark green leaves, which the succulent bears on new stems, but for a very short time.

E.tirucalli’s branches grow to form a brightly colored red, gold, and yellow thicket that changes coloration depending on the season. As expected, landscape designers praise the plant’s outstanding color and its captivating architecture, which makes E.tirucalli the first choice for coastal and Mediterranean gardens. The sunset hue of this animated, seal coral-looking cactus nicely complements the aquamarine glow of lively Senecio madraliscae and the deep sea calmness of blue-gray Agave attenuata.

Extraordinary in color and shape, this undemanding, drought-tolerant cactus is perfect for low-maintenance succulent borders, supplying delight year-round.

Height: 4 to 8 feet
Width: 4 to 8 feet
Spacing: 8 feet

Soil: sand, well-drained
pH: acid, alkaline, neutral
Exposure: full to partial sun

Water: low water
Tolerance: drought, dry soil, rocky soil
Toxicity: toxic if ingested to humans, dogs, cats, and horses; toxic sap.

Gardenia. (n.d.). A Low Maintenance Succulent Border. https://www.gardenia.net/garden/a-low-maintenance-succulent-border

Gardenia. (n.d.). Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' (Fire Sticks). https://www.gardenia.net/plant/euphorbia-tirucalli-sticks-on-fire-fire-sticks

Plants Database. (n.d.). Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli 'Firesticks'). https://garden.org/plants/view/114494/Pencil-Cactus-Euphorbia-tirucalli-Firesticks/