Euphorbia tirucalli

The Euphorbia has its origins in the hot climates of Africa and South America. There are many known varieties, all of which have one thing in common: they contain the so-called wolf’s milk or milky latex. The Euphorbia is not officially a cactus, although some display the same external features.

Euphorbia Tirucalli Cactus Indoor Care

Light: This plant enjoys the full sun making it an excellent choice for a very sunny window setting. Rotate the plant periodically for balanced growth and even color development during the cooler months.

Water: The house plant should be watered weekly during the growing season. Take care to provide well-drained soil and plenty of drainage holes in the container to avoid root rot. Cut back to monthly watering during the cooler months.

Temperature: Although this plant can tolerate temperatures from 25º-100º degrees Fahrenheit, it prefers temperatures ranging from 50º – 70º degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal firesticks plant temperature range is 65º – 70º degrees Fahrenheit, so it does well year-round indoors at normal household temperatures.

Soil: Use a high quality, well-drained cactus or succulent potting soil with a pH of about 6.0.

Fertilizer: You may feed your finger plant seasonally with a controlled-release fertilizer or use a weak liquid houseplant food on a weekly basis. Mature plants do well with a 20-20-20 fertilizer. Younger plants do better with a lower nitrogen rating. Some people do not fertilize the pencil plant at all.