How to Care for a Pencil Cactus Plant

The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a distinctive succulent plant that is sure to draw attention in a landscape because of its masses of cylindrical, pencil-thin branches. Planted outdoors, it can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 10B and 11. In any other climate, pencil plants must be grown indoors, where they can sometimes reach the ceiling. Native to tropical areas of Africa, pencil plants aren't difficult to grow and require only moderate care.

Pot with at least one drainage hole
Cactus/succulent potting soil
Indoor plant fertilizer
Pruning shears or sterile knife

Instructions

- 1
  Place the pencil plant in direct, bright sunlight; it won't thrive in low light levels.
- 2
  Plant the pencil plant in a sturdy pot with at least one drainage hole, because the plant will rot in soggy soil. The container should be filled with a potting soil for cactus and succulents or a mixture of half coarse sand and half regular potting soil.
- 3
  Water the pencil plant sparingly and only when the soil is dry -- about twice a month. The plant is drought-tolerant and prefers dry soil.
- 4
  Feed the pencil cactus every other month, using a regular fertilizer for indoor plants. Withhold fertilizer during the winter months.
- 5
  Cut the pencil tree back to the desired size whenever the plant outgrows its boundaries. Use a clean, sterile knife or pruning shears.

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