If you ’ve been looking for aunique and interesting cactus , you might have heard about the pencil cactus plant life . Named for their lean , pencil - like offset , these plant are fun to arise . Although these delightful works resemble cacti , they actually are n’t . Curious about what they are and how you could grow your own ? From how these plants are classified to how often you should irrigate them , we have the response . This scout to pencil cactus flora charge will explicate everything you postulate to know to rise your own .
What is a pencil cactus plant?
If a pencil cactus is n’t a cactus , then what is it?Euphorbia tirucalli , more ordinarily called the pencil cactus , is actually a succulent . It is also sometimes called a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , growing up to 6 feet improbable indoors and 30 feet when grow outside . flora in the Euphorbia genus are often referred to as cacti , with some of the more common ones being the pencil cactus , the cathedral cactus , and thecrown of thornscactus . However , they are , in fact , all succulents .
While there is some intersection between cactus and succulents , there are a few distinguishing feature film . First , cacti have needle , also sometimes called rachis , which are thin and can sometimes come away from the cactus to stay lodged in the brute , person , or object that brushed against the cactus . succulent do not always have sharp piece , but the unity that do have thorns , not spines . sticker have a wider root and are more unmanageable to dislodge from the plant life .
The other difference is in the shape . Cacti do not have leaves and or else store extra water inside their dense stems . Succulents do have leaves , and excess pee can be stored in the leaves or in the stalk . Pencil cactus plants may not await like it , but they actually do have parting . The leave of absence are quite modest , ca-ca them promiscuous to leave out .
Planting pencil cactus plants
Like most succulents , pencil cactus plant postulate well - draining land , and they do well in sandy or rough soil . As they aresensitive to overwatering , annul containers that do n’t have drain muddle for water supply to pass through . A succulent or cactus soil mixture is a enceinte selection for your pencil cactus , but any well - enfeeble soil will work .
Place your pencil cactus in full sun . While some light tad is tolerable , these succulent will not thrive without mass of sun . Direct sun or vivid , indirect Lord’s Day ( or a compounding of both ) is ideal for pencil cactus industrial plant . If you do n’t have a desirable locating for your plant life , you could supplement the instinctive ignitor with a grow light . This is particularly useful during wintertime .
During lovesome weather condition ( above 50 level Fahrenheit at least , and ideally above 65 degree Fahrenheit ) , your pencil cactus can be outside . If you experience inUSDA hardiness zones10 to 12 , you’re able to grow a pencil cactus outdoors yr - round . Otherwise , your pencil cactus should be indoors and kept away from drafts . to boot , keep it out of grasp of pets or children , as the sap is an irritant that can cause kindling in any cutis it comes in contact with , let in internally !
Pencil cactus care
You should water your pencil cactus when the soil is completely dry . If the grime is still dampish , even if it is only damp at the bottom , wait for it to dry out out before watering it . Typically , this mean water your pencil cactus every week and a one-half to two week , although it could be more or less frequent bet on the temperature and humidity in your home . debar getting the plant wet when watering it . During wintertime , water your pencil cactus less oftentimes . A thorough tearing every three to four weeks is enough during this point , as the flora will mostly be dormant .
During spring and summertime , your pencil cactus will appreciatea brightness feeding . They are not with child feeder , so obviate heavy doses of fertilizer . alternatively , prefer for a dilute liquid fertilizer made for succulents . forfend fertilizing your pencil cactus during dusk and wintertime .
Your pencil cactus will call for to be repotted every couple of year . Plan to repot it every two years , but check the roots at the beginning of each growing time of year to monitor them . If the root begin to take care crowded or start acquire out of the drainage holes , then it is time to repot your pencil cactus . Pencil cactus plants are called trees for a reason — you’re able to expect this industrial plant to grow somewhat large during its lifespan . Keep this in mind when repotting it . you could prune your pencil cactus in bound to help assure its sizing and chassis if you prefer ; just be careful to obviate skin link with the sap .
Pencil cactus plants are delightful succulents pure for any sunny way in your home . With proper guardianship , these plants make an excellent command firearm and are quite interesting to look at . Just be careful when snip them and keep them away from pets or nipper who might judge to eat or bet with them !
