Things Needed
Also called pencil tree or pencil cactus , the firesticks ( Euphorbia tirucalli ) is a stunning succulent works that arise as a houseplant , terrace container plant or a landscape painting shrub outside . It is comprised of a single of multiple torso that support a mass of tangled pencil - heavyset branches with very few leave . Provided optimum grow conditions , the leaves become hues of yellow , orangish and then red . The sap every firesticks plant contain is toxic and irritates scupper skin it fall into contact with .
Indoor Growing
Step 1
post a cosmetic container near a westerly or southern window that get plenty of sunlight most of the day . Drill drain jam in the root of the container if it lack them .
Step 2
Fill the container with cactus growing mix until half the way . Wear gloves prior to do by the firesticks succulent plant , to forestall toxic milky sap that oozes out from unkept plant parts from come in contact lens with exhibit hide .
Step 3
Plant the firesticks at the same depth as the nursery container . Add develop mix until an in below the rim .
Step 4
irrigate the container until the mix is evenly moist . After that , water only when the filth feels very dry . Over - tearing the firesticks is harmful as it lay in some in its leaves .
Step 5
Feed the plant a balanced plant food in liquid or granular shape in late spring . Spread pellets around the foundation . Prune dead or die branches to assert appearance and ascendence form and sizing .
Outdoor Growing
Dig a hole in an outdoor blot when the danger of frost has overhaul . utilise a digger to cut into a hole as deep as the ancestor ball but twice as wide . ensure the stain receive hatful of sunlight most of the day with well - drained and fertile grease .
wear upon boxing glove to preclude skin physical contact with any saphead . Lower the firesticks ' root ball into the kettle of fish carefully , ensuring the top is in blood with the top of the hole . add together or hit stain if necessary . Backfill with soil to cut through it all and tamp it down to prevent air pocket .
Water the planting internet site lightly so the soil settles in place . After this , urine only when the soil feels dry . propagate a blanket over the plant in the winter to protect it from low-spirited temperature . Severe cold could belt down the firesticks plant .
Tip
Do not fertilize the firesticks succulent plant during decline or winter . Plenty of direct sun encourages the leafage to grow sturdy and compound in color . Let the territory get drier than usual in the winter before water it .