Giant pencil cactus (jiffy sized)

General Info

• Common Name: Giant Pencil Cactus, Milkbush, Naked Lady

• Botanical Name: Euphorbia tirucalli

• Family: Euphorbiaceae

• Origin: Native to Africa and parts of India

• Type: Succulent shrub/tree

Appearance

• Structure:

  • Tall, branching succulent with long, thin, cylindrical stems

  • Few to no leaves — they are tiny and fall off quickly

  • Branches appear green but may take on yellow, orange, or reddish hues in high light or cold

• Size:

  • Can grow 10–30 feet (3–9 meters) tall in the ground

  • Stays smaller (around 6–8 ft) in large pots indoors

• Sap:

  • Milky white latex sap is toxic and highly irritating to skin and eyes

Caution: Always wear gloves when pruning or repotting.

Light Requirements

• Outdoors:

  • Full sun to partial shade

  • Loves bright, intense light — coloration improves with more sun

• Indoors:

  • Needs bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day

  • South- or west-facing window is ideal

Watering & Soil

• Watering:

  • Very drought-tolerant — water only when soil is completely dry

  • Reduce watering in winter

  • Overwatering can cause root rot

• Soil:

  • Well-draining cactus or succulent mix

  • Add sand or perlite for extra drainage

• Container:

  • Use pots with good drainage holes

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature Range:

  • Prefers warm temps: 65–90°F (18–32°C)

  • Protect from frost (below 50°F / 10°C)

• Humidity:

  • Low humidity preferred — thrives in dry climates

Propagation

• By cuttings:

  • Let cut end callous for a day or two

  • Root in dry soil — no need to water until roots form

  • Avoid sap contact during cutting

Toxicity & Safety

• Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

• Sap causes severe irritation on skin and especially in eyes

• Keep out of reach of kids and animals

Why Grow the Giant Pencil Cactus?

• Bold, sculptural plant that brings modern, desert vibes

• Incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant

• Makes a great statement piece in large pots or xeriscape gardens

• Offers seasonal color shifts in sunlight (green to yellow/red tones)