Plant library · euphorbia-tirucalli
Pencil Cactus
Euphorbia tirucalli
Toxic to cats and dogs
Bright pencil-thick stems, not a true cactus. Water thoroughly then let it dry out fully; loves sun. The milky sap is a serious irritant to skin, eyes and pets — handle with gloves.
Toxicity
Toxic Usually mild
Signs, in the ASPCA's words
Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.
Toxic Usually mild
Signs, in the ASPCA's words
Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.
Source — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, toxic and non-toxic plant list; read from this species' own page
Pet-safety information is a general guide from the ASPCA's toxic-plant database and covers cats and dogs only. "If eaten" summarises the symptoms ASPCA lists for that plant; how an animal actually reacts depends on how much it ate and on the animal. It isn't exhaustive, isn't veterinary advice, and individual animals vary — never rely on it as the sole basis for a decision about your pet. If you think your pet has eaten a harmful plant, contact a vet immediately.
Care
- WaterEvery 14–21 days
- LightDirect sun
- HumidityLow humidity
- Temperature18–27 °C
The same interval the Sabz app schedules reminders from. In autumn and winter the app stretches it; see houseplants in autumn.
Common problems
- Yellowing, soft stems — overwatering — Overwatering →
- Shrivelled stems — very underwatered
- Dropping stem tips — cold or a sudden move — Dropping leaves →
In the app
Add a pencil cactus to Sabz and the watering interval above becomes a reminder, the toxicity verdict sits on the plant's own page, and when a leaf turns, the Check-up reads what you have actually logged to say why.
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