Pencil Euphorbia

Pencil Euphorbia, scientifically known as Euphorbia tirucalli, is a unique and visually striking succulent plant native to Africa. It's also commonly known as the "Firestick Plant," "Pencil Tree," or "Milk Bush." This plant is highly valued for its unusual appearance, characterized by thin, pencil-like branches.

The Pencil Euphorbia typically grows to about 4 to 8 feet in height and can spread 2 to 4 feet wide. It forms a dense, shrub-like structure with smooth, cylindrical branches that are green in color but can turn red or orange in bright sunlight or cooler temperatures.

While the flowers of Euphorbia tirucalli are small and inconspicuous, typically green or yellow, they are not the main attraction of this plant. Instead, the appeal lies in its architectural form and vibrant branch coloration.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. It's drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and dry, arid landscapes. The Pencil Euphorbia is also known for its milky sap, which can be toxic and irritating to the skin and eyes, so caution should be taken when handling.

In landscaping, Pencil Euphorbia is often used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, cactus gardens, and as a dramatic container plant. Its unique, stick-like branches provide a striking visual contrast in succulent plantings and modern landscapes.

Overall, the Pencil Euphorbia is a low-maintenance and visually appealing plant, perfect for adding architectural interest and a splash of color to any garden. Its distinctive form and adaptability to various growing conditions make it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Pencil Euphorbia

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and to accommodate their upright, spiny form
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Pencil Euphorbia is a tall, columnar plant that requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-6 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Pencil Euphorbia is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks