Euphorbia TIRUCALLI

Euphorbia TIRUCALLI - Pencil cactus, Euphorbia tirucalli, Pencil tree.

An original and unusual plant!

Euphorbia is a genus of succulent and non-succulent plants in the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising about 2,000 species native to tropical and subtropical regions across all continents, characterized by high adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and growth forms - from herbs to trees and shrubs.

Representatives of the genus have thickened, fleshy, often ribbed stems, sometimes with spines, that store water, making them resilient to drought and irregular watering. The plants vary greatly in appearance: herbs, shrubs, trees, cactus-like forms, with their common feature being the presence of milky sap that frequently contains toxic substances. Leaves can be large or reduced, simple or lobed, often falling during the dry season.

The small and inconspicuous flowers are clustered in specialized inflorescences - cyathia, surrounded by bracts often mistaken for petals. The fruits are three-celled capsules containing rounded or ovoid seeds.

Many species in the wild reach large sizes, yet most euphorbias are exceptionally well suited for indoor cultivation and are prized for their ornamental value, original shapes, and endurance.

Pencil cactus is a perennial herbaceous succulent in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of southern and eastern Africa and Madagascar. In the wild, it occurs as a shrub up to 10 m (33 ft) in height with coral-like, curved, leafless branches. Tiny leaves up to 1 cm (0.4 in) long appear only on young shoots and do not last long. The succulent contains toxic, skin-irritating milky sap from which rubber was formerly produced. Because of this, the plant is also known as the Indian tree spurge or rubber euphorbia. For its unusual, noble ornamental appearance and simplicity of care, the plant has become beloved by growers for indoor cultivation, where it grows even faster than in nature. Therefore, Euphorbia tirucalli is periodically pruned and its apex pinched back so that its height does not exceed one meter (3.3 ft). It flowers only in the wild.

Seeds are sown on the surface or with slight covering, no more than 2 mm (0.08 in), into a loose sandy-peat substrate. The sowings are moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and kept at a temperature of 21-25 °C (70-77 °F) in the light, but not under direct sun. It is essential to avoid waterlogging and complete drying out of the sowings. To prevent prolonged condensation buildup, the container is ventilated 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.

Seedlings emerge within 12-25 days. The maximum germination period may exceed 40 days. When sprouts appear, the covering is gradually removed. Pricking out is performed after the emergence of 2-3 true leaves, and plants are potted into individual containers.

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It prefers bright illumination and sunny windowsills, but can also adapt to diffused light. With sufficient lighting, the stem coloration becomes richer and can acquire a yellowish tint. In partial shade, it develops slowly and loses its compact shape; the stems stretch out and lose their ornamental appeal.

In summer, the optimal maintenance temperature is 21-28 °C (70-82 °F), and in winter - 15-18 °C (59-64 °F), not below 12 °C (54 °F). During the cold season, the plant requires a dormant period. Watering is carried out moderately as the soil dries out. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, solely to prevent complete drying out of the substrate. Excess moisture causes rot.

It grows in a light, air-permeable soil for succulents consisting of equal parts turf, leaf mold, coarse sand, and charcoal. A drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel is mandatory. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 3-4 years, with care taken regarding the root system. Fertilizers are applied in spring and summer 1-2 times with succulent fertilizers. Excess nitrogen is contraindicated - it leads to loss of ornamental quality and shoot elongation. Organic fertilizers improve coloration and tissue density.

Pruning is carried out sanitarily to remove damaged areas. Propagation is possible by seeds and by cuttings, which root after drying. Seeds provide good germination when germination conditions are observed; when handling cuttings, skin protection from milky sap is necessary.