Milk Bush, Pencil Euphorbia (Euphorbia tirucalli)

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palmbob Acton, CA(Zone 8b) Aug 24, 2003

Common name: Milk Bush, Pencil Euphorbia
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species tirucalli

Plant Link: http://plantsdatabase.com/go/58092/

Thumbnail by palmbob
Post #626212
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DougC Los Angeles, CA(Zone 10a) Aug 26, 2003

Very interesting species, actual name:
Euphorbia tirucalli v rosea.

Native of South Africa, this Euphorbia, is commonly known as "Pencil Cactus" and "Firesticks". At certain times of the year, usually winter the stems turn from green to pink to red. It conserves water by producing tiny leaves at the ends of the numerous stems. Mine is now 1.5 ft tall.
E. tirucalli responds well to warmth, but be careful of the white sap it produces, the sap can sting. Likes high light, some direct sun ok. I use a soil designed specially for catcus & succulents, can be bought places like Home Depot. Fertilize lightly during growing period in summer.

DougC

Post #627801
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IslandJim Keizer, OR(Zone 8b) Sep 22, 2003

One of the problems with this site is its willingness to create a new page for every variety. There is also a "firesticks" page. I suppose it's necessary because of the zillion hosta and daylily variety postings, but it's sure confusing.

About this plant/picture, though, nice picture, nice specimen. These were very popular as house plants when I lived in Washington, DC; all the government clerks needed pencils, I guess. Here [Venice, Florida] they are occasionally used as landscape plants, as in a cactus/succulent bed.

Post #657668
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palmbob Acton, CA(Zone 8b) Sep 23, 2003

I totally agree with the redundancy thing... probably should be one page per species and all the varieties go on that one page.

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sassytiger Lakeland, FL Nov 21, 2003

I have never seen a PINK pencil plant before!

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gregg10 Cape town, South Africa Jul 29, 2006

I am from South Africa and moving to a coastal town 30minutes north of Cape town . The name of the town is Melkbosstrand --english it means Milkbushbeach. im curious how a local Milkbushplant would look .i gather its from the Euphorbium family but how would i found out which one . As you now we get our rain in winter and the habitat is fynbos.i ask people in town but could not get a answer.


Thanx
Hugo Ehlers

Post #2563509
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brutusbalch Brea, CA May 08, 2009

I have a Fire Stick and love it but it has turned all green? It was reddish? Any thoughts as to why I've lost the pinkish hue? Thank you kindly,
Joan Brutus's mom

Post #6522841
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palmbob Acton, CA(Zone 8b) May 09, 2009

Gets greener in shade, or lots of water... reddest in winters if cold, dry and in full sun.

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