Photo of Euphorbia tirucalli foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Euphorbia tirucalli

Also Known As

  • Euphorbia 'Sticks of Fire
  • Euphorbia tirucallii
  • Milk Bush
  • Pencil Cactus
  • Rubber Hedge Euphorbia
  • Sticks on Fire

Plant type

tree, shrub, cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 6'-30'
  • W: 3'-20'

planting zones

  • 10a-12

More Options

Euphorbia tirucalli plant details

Euphorbia tirucalli is an evergreen cactus / succulent, shrub or tree with green and red foliage. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia tirucalli

Plant type: cactus / succulent, shrub or tree
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and red
Mature size: 3 FT - 20 FT - wide, 6 FT - 30 FT - tall
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant, sculptural, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia tirucalli

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Can take 25 °F for only short periods. Sun to Partial Shade. Pale Yellow. Indoor/ Outdoor (Patio). Light/Bright Shade.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

(Euphorbia tirucalli) sometimes known as milk bush...slender cylindrical branches are pencil thick, glossy green, and narrow deciduous leaves...willowy stem..an excellent decorative plant tolerant of much neglect.
Its easy to appreciate the beautiful architectural branching form of the deep green pencil-sized succulent stems of this vigorous upright growing tropical tree. Very carefree and forgiving if a watering is missed.

Gardening facts about Euphorbia tirucalli plant

How to Grow Euphorbia tirucalli

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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