Pencil Tree: Care, Location & Propagation

The pencil tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) is an easy-care succulent with an unusual appearance. Here are some tips on how to properly care for the plant.

Like most succulents, the pencil bush is a relatively undemanding plant. However, due to the toxic milky sap that can escape at interfaces, some caution is required when handling the plant. You can find out here what else you should consider when it comes to location and care.

Pencil tree: flowering, origin and properties

The pencil tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) is also known as pencil shrub, pencil plant or milk bush. The plant originally comes from the southern and eastern regions of Africa and is now very popular as a houseplant, also thanks to the low maintenance requirements.

Euphorbia tirucalli belongs to the genus Spurge (euphorbia) within the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Like many species of this plant family, the pencil tree also contains a milky sap that escapes when the plant is injured. This milky juice is in the case of the Euphorbia tirucalli Poisonous and corrosive, so a safe location should be chosen for the plant.

The pencil tree consists of green and fleshy but narrow branches that give it a distinctive look. The leaves can store water to survive periods of drought. The leaves on the shoots are small and inconspicuous and are usually shed quickly. In the wild, the plant also grows small yellowish flowers between June and August, which are located at the ends of the branches. While indoor shrubs only grow to about 80 cm, pencil trees can reach heights of up to 10 meters in nature.

tip: In addition to the classic green milk tree, there is another interesting variety that is also known as "Stick of Fire": The shoots of the Euphorbia tirucalli 'Rosea' are fiery red and give the plant a special look.

Planting a pencil tree: location, timing and procedure

When choosing a location for the pencil tree, it is important to ensure that there is enough sunlight. Since the Euphorbia tirucalli requires direct sunlight, it should be placed on a south-facing window, for example. Sufficient warmth is usually provided there, because temperatures below 12 °C do not suit the pencil tree. In summer, the succulent can also be placed in a bright place outdoors.

The pencil bush is a little more demanding when it comes to the substrate: to avoid waterlogging, the potting soil should be permeable and well-drained. You can use cactus soil for the pencil tree.

tip: If you water less and less frequently, the pencil tree can also simply be planted in universal soil. It is best to check regularly whether the plant is doing well and whether the water supply is suitable.

Care of the pencil tree

The pencil tree care is very easy, because the plant does not need a lot of water or nutrients. From time to time, however, the pencil bush also needs a little attention. We briefly show what needs to be considered.

When the substrate has dried on the surface, you should water the soil. Ideally, you should use rainwater for watering, as it is naturally low in lime and this benefits the pencil bush. Water about once a week in summer and less often in winter. Excess water must be removed from the coaster to prevent root rot.

tip: A sign of insufficient watering is limp, drooping branches.

The nutrient requirement of the milk tree is rather low. In the growth period from spring to autumn, however, you should provide the fast-growing plant with some fertilizer every four weeks. For example, our is suitable for this Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer, which you add to the irrigation water in half concentration. Due to the high proportion of organic ingredients, the nutrients are not released all at once and there is less risk of over-fertilization.

In winter you should give the pencil tree a break. The plant is then kept in a bright place at around 15 °C. Watering is now even rarer, just enough so that the root ball does not dry out completely. Fertilizer is not necessary during this period. The dormant period should last about three months and take place between October and February.

To bring older specimens back into shape, it is a good idea to cut the pencil tree. Pruning is particularly appropriate when the lower part of the plant becomes bare and no more fresh shoots are formed. To do this, cut back the shoots by about a third. You should definitely wear gloves to protect yourself from the milky juice that escapes during cutting measures and clean all devices afterwards. The interfaces on the pencil tree can be treated with a damp cloth. It is best to cut towards the end of the dormant phase, then less juice will come out and the plant can sprout again immediately in spring. The separated shoots are also suitable for propagating the milk tree.

The pencil tree should be repotted every two to three years. Wearing gloves is also recommended for safety. If the old pot is completely rooted, it should also be repotted in a larger planter.

Tip: With a layer of pebbles on the bottom of the container, you can additionally secure the water drainage and avoid waterlogging.

Propagate pencil bush

Cuttings are ideal for propagating the pencil tree. In the spring, cut off a few shoots about 15 cm long just below the leaf node. The cuttings are then dried for about two days so that the interfaces do not rot. They can then be placed in nutrient-poor substrate and placed in a warm, bright place. Our Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil is ideal for cultivating cuttings, for example. The nutrient-reduced soil promotes strong root growth of the seedlings before they grow tall. Our earth consists of natural raw materials and does not require any peat at all. Keep the substrate moderately moist to prevent root rot. After about three weeks, roots should have formed so that the small pencil trees can now be treated like the mother plant. Be sure to wear gloves when propagating to protect yourself from the caustic milky sap.

Common pests and diseases of Euphorbia tirucalli

The pencil bush is considered a fairly resilient plant and is rarely attacked by pests. If it still does not grow well or looks limp, the cause is usually a location that is too cold or too wet. The following pests can still occur occasionally:

• Mealybug, aphids or spider mites: They rarely appear on the pencil tree and then usually appear when the humidity in the room is low.
• Ascomycota: These are caused by waterlogging, which also leads to root rot and can be expressed in yellowing of the shoots.

Tip: The most common pencil tree care mistake is overwatering, which can cause waterlogging and root rot. In this case, the plant should be repotted immediately in dry, fresh substrate.

Is the pencil bush poisonous?

The pencil bush is indeed a poisonous plant. This is due to the milky sap in the succulent branches, which oozes when injured and is a skin irritant. Therefore, only place the plant in a place that is inaccessible to pets and children, and always wear gloves when cutting.

We have even more tips and tricks on how to use yours Caring for succulents properly and what to consider when watering and fertilizing.