How to Care for a Milk Bush

The milk bush (Euphorbia tirucalli), also known as the pencil cactus, is a succulent shrub native to east central Africa. It grows up to 30 feet tall in the wild, and as a houseplant it will grow as tall as your ceiling permits. It is hardy as an outdoor plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11. The plant has tiny leaves and produces long, green stems. Never touch your milk bush without wearing protective gloves. Every part of this plant is poisonous and its sap can cause dermatitis on exposed skin.

Instructions

- 1
  Place your milk bush in a location where it receives full sunlight. The plant requires full sunlight to thrive.
- 2
  Water your milk bush only sparingly, twice a month at most. They are used to growing in droughtlike conditions and prefer soil that is very dry.
- 3
  Cut back the plant to the desired height when it gets too high. Take precautions to avoid its sap by wearing gloves and long sleeves. Do not allow pets or children near the plant when you are cutting it.

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