Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant)

• Home delivery throughout Belgium.
• Collection in Leuven possible
• Pencil King for the living room
• lifelong help for all your plant questions.

The Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant) is a striking, slender succulent with cheerful green, cylindrical stems that immediately draw attention. Its graphic shapes complement any interior and add a modern touch to your living room, office, or dining room. This vigorous plant is ideal for those who lack green fingers but are looking for a statement plant.

Whether you've never cared for a plant before or have already built a small urban jungle, the Pencil Plant is easy to care for and fits into almost any space. At De Plantrekkers, you can easily buy it online, with free delivery throughout Belgium or pick it up in Leuven. Feel free to explore our other succulents, such as Aloe Vera or the robust Yucca, for a varied collection.

How to care for a Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant)

Watering Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant)

Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant) doesn't like wet feet, and overwatering is the most common mistake. Therefore, only water when the soil has completely dried out during spring and summer. In autumn and winter, you can halve the frequency to prevent root rot. Regularly checking the soil for moisture helps you find the right balance.

Light for Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant)

Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant) prefers a bright spot, preferably directly near a window with plenty of sun. It can also tolerate slightly less intense light, but growth will be slower and the color will be less vibrant. Turn the pot a quarter turn occasionally to ensure all sides receive sufficient light and the plant continues to grow straight.

Common problems and solutions

Yellow leaves

Yellow leaves are often a sign of either too much or too little water. First, check the moisture content of the potting soil: if it's constantly soggy, you're overwatering and the roots may rot. If the soil is rock hard and dust-dry, the plant isn't getting enough water and will lose vitality. Adjust your watering and remove affected leaves with clean shears to prevent the spread of disease.

Plant is leaking or dripping

If you see the Euphorbia secreting a viscous, white substance, this is the milky sap from the stems. This sap is slightly toxic and can cause skin irritation. Let the plant grow undisturbed, but be careful when repotting and pruning: wear gloves and work outside or in a well-ventilated area. Wipe away any spilled water immediately with a damp cloth to prevent discoloration on furniture.

Plagues

Pencil plants rarely attract pests, but spider mites and scale insects can occur during dry periods or when humidity is low. Inspect the plant regularly under the leaf nodes and, if an infestation starts, spray it with a mixture of water and dish soap, or use our natural sticky traps to repel fungus gnats . Keep the humidity around the plant slightly higher to discourage spider mites and ensure good air circulation.

Roots come through the bottom of the pot

If you see roots escaping from the bottom of the pot, the Pencil Plant needs more room to grow. Repot it in a slightly larger pot with good drainage, such as a basic white gloss slanted pot . Also check the potting soil for nutrients and, if necessary, enrich it with a bio booster like our potting soil for aroids .

Brown edges on the leaves

Brown edges usually indicate air that is too dry or temperatures that are too high. Increase the humidity around the plant by spraying it with a plant mister or placing a bowl of water nearby. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. In winter, you can move the plant a little further away from radiators and choose a moisture-retaining potting mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pencil Plant poisonous?

Yes, the Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant) contains a milky sap that is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Therefore, keep it out of reach of small children and pets. Rinse immediately with plenty of water after contact with skin or eyes, and consult a doctor if in doubt. For non-toxic alternatives, see our Sansevieria zeylanica or the Pancake Plant .

What varieties of Euphorbia are there?

There are numerous species within the Euphorbia genus. Below is a selection of popular varieties:

• Euphorbia trigona (African cross-beam)
• Euphorbia milii (Christ's thorn)
• Euphorbia lactea cristata ( https://deplantrekkers.com/products/euphorbia-lactea-cristata )
• Euphorbia ingens
• Euphorbia pseudocactus
• Euphorbia neriifolia
• Euphorbia cyparissias

Want to learn more about other succulents? Discover our cacti & succulent mix for your collection.

Ready to bring the graphic beauty of the Pencil Plant into your home? Add the Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Plant) to your cart today and enjoy free delivery in Belgium, or come pick it up in Leuven. Looking for pots and accessories? Then also check out our collection of potting soil and accessories .