Euphorbia tirucalli - Pencil cactus

Euphorbia tirucalli, the Pencil Plant, is a succulent bush with a slender habit, recognisable by its leafless, green, cylindrical stems, as thick as a pencil. Its unusual silhouette and hues ranging from bright green to orange-red under strong sunlight make it a very popular houseplant. Easy to care for, it adapts to very bright interiors. Its style is both exotic and modern.

Euphorbia tirucalli belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This species is native to Africa (east and south) and later spread to India. In the wild, the pencil plant grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It develops as a branching bush, reaching several metres in its natural habitat, but remains more compact when grown in pots indoors. Its main appeal lies in its thin, cylindrical, bright green stems which can turn orange or red under strong sunlight. Its tiny and ephemeral leaves fall quickly after appearing. Like all euphorbias, it secretes a white, toxic, irritating sap that must be protected against during pruning or handling. Its discreet flowering is rare indoors and takes the form of small yellow inflorescences emerging at the tips of the stems.

The pencil plant requires a bright exposure, preferably in full sun or intense light to maintain a dense habit and develop colour. It adapts to temperatures between 18 and 30 °C, but does not tolerate frost and must be kept above 10 °C in winter. Its growing medium must be very well-draining, composed of a mix of cactus compost, coarse sand, and perlite to avoid excess moisture. Watering should be spaced out, allowing the medium to dry completely between waterings. In winter, it is recommended to reduce watering significantly to avoid the risk of rot, but in summer, do not let the medium dry out completely.

With its minimalist style, Euphorbia tirucalli is ideal for personalising a bright living room, conservatory, or office. It thrives in a terracotta pot. Its clean look pairs well with plants of different shapes, such as Aloe vera or Agave attenuata, or with trailing succulents like Senecio rowleyanus. It can also be showcased alone in a designer pot that will accentuate its airy, sculptural appeal.