Scientific Name
Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'
Common Name(s)
Fire Sticks, Red Pencil Tree, Sticks of Fire, Sticks on Fire
Synonym(s)
Euphorbia tirucalli 'Firesticks', Euphorbia tirucalli 'Rosea'
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' is a cultivar of Euphorbia tirucalli that lacks chlorophyll.
Description
Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire', also known as Euphorbia tirucalli 'Rosea', is a striking succulent shrub with smooth, green, cylindrical branches with tips that range from orange to pink and red. It can grow up to 25 feet (7.6 m) tall and 10 feet (3 m) wide, while the branches are about the diameter of a pencil. The color of the branches tends to fade to a closer shade of yellow in the summer and becomes redder in the winter. The leaves are small and fall off early, so the stems are usually bare.
The flowers are pale yellow and inconspicuous, appearing during the cooler months of the year.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Euphorbias are very easy to care for. These plants require a little pampering to become established, but once they are, they are self-sufficient. More die from overcare and watering than from neglect. Euphorbias need well-draining soil and ample sunlight. They are not particular about soil pH but cannot tolerate wet soil. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia does not handle long periods of drought well. It may need weekly watering during the summer. Water whenever the top several inches of the soil are dry. Water deeply, but avoid letting them sit in wet soil, as this can cause root rot. Add some organic matter or fertilizer to the planting hole. Feed with a half-strength fertilizer monthly if you are growing them in containers or your soil is poor.
These succulents can be grown from seed, but they can be difficult to germinate (or even find). They are usually propagated by cuttings. This can be tricky because of the exuding sap. Rooting hormone is recommended with Euphorbias. They tend to grow problem-free, but there are a few pests and diseases to be alert for.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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