Skip to content
Now offering free shipping on all orders over $150! See details.
Now offering free shipping on orders over $150!
Pencil Cactus - 3" Pot

Pencil Cactus - 3" Pot

Save 50% Save 50%
₹199
₹199 - ₹199
₹199
₹99
₹99 - ₹99
₹99

(MRP Inclusive of all taxes)

Availability:
In stock

Free returns on all eligible orders

You have 30 days to request a return. All sale items are final sale.

  • Striking pencil-stem architecture
  • Extremely drought-hardy
  • Fast-growing specimen or hedge
  • Firesticks form turns orange-red
  • CAUTION: caustic toxic sap
Shipping information

Shipping ₹79 for entire order

Country of origin: India

Returns & warranty

Use this text to share information about your product.

Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is not a true cactus but a striking succulent shrub of slender, pencil-thick green stems that branch densely into a coral-like, almost leafless silhouette. Fast-growing and very drought-hardy, it makes a bold architectural specimen for pots and warm gardens, and the popular 'Firesticks' form flushes orange-red in cool sun. Common across India as a hedge and folk-medicine plant, it tolerates heat and neglect with ease. IMPORTANT: its milky white sap is highly caustic and toxic, irritating skin and eyes severely - always wear gloves and keep away from pets and children.

Specifications

Family Euphorbiaceae
Native region Africa and India
Mature height 1-5 m (much smaller potted)
Mature spread 1-2 m
Growth rate Fast
Foliage Pencil-thin green succulent stems
Flower colour Tiny yellow (insignificant)
Flower season Winter
Climate zone Tropical to subtropical, arid

Care guide

Sunlight Full sun to bright light.
Watering Soak-and-dry; very drought-tolerant, water sparingly.
Soil / mix Gritty, fast-draining sandy/cactus mix.
Temperature 10-40 C; protect from frost.
Humidity Low.
Fertilizer Light succulent feed once or twice a year.
Pruning Prune with gloves and eye protection; sap is caustic.
Repotting Every 2-3 years; handle with gloves.
Propagation Stem cuttings (wear gloves; rinse sap, let callus).
Pests & problems Mealybugs; generally pest-resistant.
Toxicity / safety Highly toxic - caustic milky sap irritates skin/eyes.
Difficulty Very easy (handle with care)

Uses

A dramatic architectural specimen for sunny pots, courtyards and xeriscapes, and a traditional living hedge; the Firesticks form is grown for its orange winter colour.

Growing tips

In India it thrives outdoors in full sun with minimal care; always wear gloves and eye protection when cutting, and rinse cut surfaces before propagating to manage the caustic sap.

Related categories

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Pencil Cactus?
Very sparingly - water only when the soil is bone dry, roughly every 2-3 weeks in summer and rarely in winter.
Is the sap really dangerous?
Yes, the milky white sap is highly caustic and can severely irritate skin and eyes; always wear gloves and eye protection and wash off any contact immediately.
How much light does it need?
Full sun to very bright light; the Firesticks form needs strong cool-season sun to develop its orange-red colour.
Is it safe for pets?
No, it is toxic and the sap is dangerous; keep it well away from pets and children.
How do I propagate it?
Take a stem cutting wearing gloves, rinse off the sap, let the cut callus for several days, then plant in dry gritty soil.
Can I grow it indoors?
It can grow at a very bright window, but given its toxic sap and size it is usually better outdoors in a safe spot.
Why are stems turning yellow or mushy?
Yellow, mushy stems indicate overwatering and rot; cut back watering sharply and ensure fast-draining soil.
When and how do I repot it?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring wearing gloves, using a gritty cactus mix and a stable, heavy pot.
Does it flower?
It produces tiny, insignificant yellowish flowers in winter; it is grown for its stems, not blooms.
Does it need fertilizer?
Very little - a light succulent feed once or twice a year is more than enough.

Related Category

All Season Plants Drought-Tolerant Plants Easy to Grow Plants Hard-to-Kill Plants Low Maintenance Plants Outdoor Plants Planters for Terrace & Balcony Plants Plants For Balcony Plants by Color Plants by Features & Uses Plants by Light Plants by Location Plants by Name Plants by Season Plants by Type Plants for Home Plants for Terrace & Balcony Succulent Plants Succulent Plants Trending Plants Winter Plants

Warehouse Sale

Our most anticipated sale of discontinued items has finally arrived! While supplies last.

Open Box Deal

Their return, your reward! Starting today, shop new exclusive products for less.

Free Shipping

When you spend $50 or more

Here to Help

Get in touch with us 7 days a week

Store Pickup

Pick up your order yourself, for free

Easy Exchanges

Return or exchange within 60 days