This is how it's done (pencil bush)

Caution is also advised when caring for the pencil bush

In general, there is a certain duty of care when handling milkweed plants, as the milky sap is relatively strong in most cases poisonous is. A certain degree of caution is therefore advisable if children or pets are temporarily unattended in the living rooms. Since Euphorbia tirucalli is usually propagated by cuttings, the sap will logically escape from the thick, fresh green branches of the shrub. Contribute to Cut The cuttings absolutely must be gloves in order not to even cope with the corrosive and poisonous sap to get in touch. Otherwise, sensitive people can quickly develop reddening of the skin or blistering. If the sap gets on mucous membranes, in open wounds or in the stomach, the consequences can be even more threatening.

Properly cut cuttings of the pencil bush

So that optimal root formation can occur, the cuttings of the pencil bush Euphorbia tirucalli should be cut in spring or early summer if possible. In addition, the following parameters have proven to be beneficial for successful propagation:

• Length of the cutting: about 12 to 15 cm
• Cut just below a leaf knot
• After cutting, allow the cut surfaces to air dry for about 48 hours
• warm, bright location without direct sunlight

While a fully-grown pencil bush prefers to thrive in direct sunlight, cuttings shouldn't because of them established roots and the resulting restricted moisture absorption in a somewhat shaded location will.

Suitable substrate for the rooting phase

After drying, the cuttings can be placed in a lean substrate. This can, for example, from Cactus soil or contain sand and coconut fibers. During the first four weeks it is important that the cuttings are not watered too often. Covering with foil or growing in a greenhouse can ensure that the cuttings do not dry out during this time. After about four weeks, fresh shoots should show whether the rooting of the cuttings was successful.