SKU: 76110063882
sticks on fire pencil cactus

sticks on fire pencil cactus Pencil Cactus

Sale price$22.27 Regular price$24.74
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 11 - Jul 16

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

sticks on fire pencil cactus Pencil CactusIntroducing the Pencil Cactus, botanically known as Euphorbia tirucalli Fire Sticks (also called Sticks on Fire), a striking succulent prized for its sea coral like appearance and vibrant, loosely branching pencil thin stems that develop brilliant shades of green, orange, and red. Native to Southern Africa, this unique succulent belongs to the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family, not the cactus family (Cactaceae), though it is commonly referred to as Pencil

Introducing the Pencil Cactus, botanically known as Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Fire Sticks’ (also called Sticks on Fire), a striking succulent prized for its sea coral-like appearance and vibrant, loosely branching pencil-thin stems that develop brilliant shades of green, orange, and red.

Native to Southern Africa, this unique succulent belongs to the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family, not the cactus family (Cactaceae), though it is commonly referred to as “Pencil Cactus” because of its cactus-like form and upright growth habit. It is also known by several other common names, including fire sticks plant, sticks on fire succulent, fire plant, red pencil tree, milk bush, and Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’.


When exposed to direct sunlight, the tips turn red, which is why they are also called firesticks.

This fast growing evergreen succulent can grow up to 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide, forming a thicket of brilliantly colored vertical stems with loose branches.

The unusual stems of this firestick plant, which are as thin as pencils, have a reddish-golden hue that becomes yellow in the summer and red again in the winter.

The pencil cactus flowers boast vibrant yellow, pink, or orange blooms in the summer and spring, making them a true showstopper in any garden.

The pencil cactus is extremely drought tolerant and hard to kill, and as a result, is a great, low-maintenance, easy-care plant for your home or garden.

You can grow your pencil cactus indoors year-round as a houseplant. If planting outdoors, it's best to do so in the spring when temperatures are warm and stable. This cactus grows faster than many other cacti, making it a striking addition to your garden or home.

If you cut your pencil cactus, be careful—the thick, white sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation, burns, or severe eye irritation if it gets into your eyes. While highly irritating, some cultures have historically used it in traditional medicine for treating growths like warts and tumors, though it is not safe for home remedies. Always wear gloves when handling the plant and wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with the sap.

When and How to Water Your Pencil Cactus 

This pencil cactus firestick plant can withstand droughts and doesn't need to be watered frequently to survive. Watering these perennial succulents should be done every 3–4 weeks or when the soil feels dry. Let the soil completely dry out between waterings, and if in doubt, give your fire plant a little more time before watering again.  Less water is needed for humid locations and indoor spaces. Pay attention to how the pencil cactus looks and adjust the watering accordingly.

Remember that succulents in the desert can go for weeks or even months without water, so water them sparingly during their rest phase and moderately during their active growing season.

Pro Tip

Most people like to see the red tips that give this Euphorbia tirucalli its firestick name. Note that it is stress that causes the tips to go red. So, the art is to stress the firestick plant a bit, but not too much. So, give it a lot of light and water it less than other succulents, so it is thirsty but not dying of thirst.

Overwatering can also cause the Euphorbia tirucalli 'Firesticks' tips to turn red, but it can also lead to root rot and other problems. So, if your pencil cactus is not turning red in full sun, it's possible that it's not experiencing enough stress to produce the anthocyanin pigments or that it's receiving too much water.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Pencil Cactus 

Like most succulents, indoors, the Euphorbia tirucalli firesticks need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive, so choose the brightest area in the house.

Potted indoor pencil cacti require four hours of direct sunlight, which can be achieved by locating them on a sunny south or west-facing windowsill. 

If you are growing these firestick succulents outdoors, make sure that they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Partial shade may be tolerated as long as your pencil cactus gets the majority of the sunlight that it needs when it's planted outside. This succulent plant won't thrive if left in the shade for a long time. Its colors become more vibrant the more sunlight it receives.

In order to avoid sunburn, it is preferable to acclimatize your pencil cactus first before moving it outdoors or increasing the amount of sunlight it receives.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The firestick Euphorbia is a succulent plant that likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Ideally, you want to use our specialized potting mixGo to soil cactus mix blend 1 gal 4 qt cacti succulent dirt compost growing media that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your Euphorbia firesticks Pencil Cactus to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing your pencil cactus plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Cacti prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

Hardiness Zones & More 

When growing indoors as a houseplant, the Euphorbia firestick can tolerate temperatures between 65 °F and 75 °F. Your Euphorbia firestick plant performs well in temperatures above 30 °F. However, it can withstand temperatures below that, but only for short periods of time.

In the United States, the Euphorbia tirucalli is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 10 -11.

Growing these pencil cacti in containers is the best option if you live in an area with harsh winters.

By doing this, you can bring your Pencil Cactus indoors during the winter or any time there's a chance of frost or snow. Normal house humidity is fine for this Euphorbia, but it prefers dry conditions. 

Wildlife - Euphorbia tirucalli Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

The Euphorbia tirucalli flowers attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with their bright colors and sweet nectar. These pollinators play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to fertilize plants and promote biodiversity.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Euphorbia tirucalli 'Firesticks' is mildly toxic to humans and pets. It can irritate the skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract. However, it is safe to touch as long as precautions are taken to avoid contact with the sap. Wear gloves when handling this plant to prevent any potential skin irritation.

How to Propagate Your Pencil Cactus

When it comes to pencil cactus propagation, one common method is through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from a healthy pencil cactus, let it dry for a few days, and then place it in well-draining soil. Another method is through division, where you carefully separate the offsets or side shoots from the main plant and plant them individually.

Key Takeaways

  1. The stems of firesticks are as thin as pencils (hence the name) and turn a fire-red in the winter.
  2. Euphorbia Firesticks is a stunning variety that changes color with the seasons, turning bright red or orange tips in cooler temperatures or full sun.
  3. This succulent has a rapid growth rate, reaching up to 30 feet tall when grown outdoors, with a branching, upright form.
  4. During the spring and summer, the yellow flowers bloom in clusters on the end of the branch, usually for just a few days.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the pencil cactus (Euphorbia Firesticks) is a unique and striking succulent plant that adds a touch of elegance to any space. With its slender, pencil-like stems and vibrant green color, this sticks-on-fire cactus can truly be a showstopper. However, it's important to remember that the pencil cactus is not a true cactus but rather a succulent. It requires minimal care, preferring bright light and well-draining soil. By providing proper pencil cactus care, you'll have a beautiful and unique Euphorbia firestick plant that will thrive for years to come. 

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 76110063882

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell sticks on fire pencil cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 2385 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
R
Verified Purchase
Ravioli
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Is good but the tray needs adjustments for the dogs nails not to get stuck
Color: Gray
Is good just only problem is the wholes in the tray my puppy nails get stuck in it so I just left the bottom tray and put a pad over it
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
S
Shawsown
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 3
Okay little puppy pee plate. But some diy may be required.
Color: Gray
This little pup pee station is pretty good. With a little caveat. There's some pros & cons. Pros: The back splash wall is very helpful. Keeping pee from going off the plate. But only as long as the pup aims that way. Which is why the little upright tube thing is helpful. I suggest placing it in the middle as close to the back wall as possible. Which leads to another pro. The little stick thing. It's hollow. A trick to help encourage your pup to use this is to place something your pup has peed on inside of that hollow tube. Or, you can see a bit on some cotton swabs & put them in there. The scent encourages your pup to pee there. Another pro is that a medium size pee pad will go over the edges of the plate. You can either fold the pad in, or leave it overhanging to catch stray shots. Cons: It is a little small. So this will only work for the smallest of pups. Another huge con is the grate on top. It allows pee to go through to the pad. But, most pups will refuse to step on this thing. So you'll likely have to get some of that draining fake grass to place on top of it. So, in the end, it's functional, but you'll likely have to do some diy to get it there.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2025
A
A. Key
Boise, US
★★★★★ 4
Good quality and helpful even if your dog doesn’t use it yet
Color: Gray, Color: Gray
Still hoping my dog will decide to use this, but even if not, it’s serving a useful purpose. I keep pee pads down for accidents, and I started by placing this on top to encourage my dog to use it instead. Right now, I have it next to our end table to protect it, and it fits perfectly there. I may try putting a pad on top to help with the transition. The quality feels decent for the price—the plastic is thick enough, looks nice, and the top stays in place without being difficult to remove. It’s practical, easy to clean, and works well for what I needed.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2025
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
The Best Interactive Dog Toy My Dogs Won’t Put Down!
Color: Blue
I have a Labrador and a Jack Russell and I bought this Qraxond interactive ball mainly for my Lab’s strong hunting instinct but I was absolutely blown away by how both dogs went crazy for it. This toy isn’t just fun it’s a total game changer for keeping pups entertained stimulated and out of trouble when I’m busy. The ball arrived nicely packaged with clear easy to follow instructions. It comes with a USB C charging cable for the internal motor no wall adapter included but any standard USB plug works perfectly. The bright blue color is such a smart choice it stands out everywhere so I never lose it in the yard carpet or under furniture. Operation is incredibly simple. The inner vibration module is held securely in the ball with heavy duty velcro. Inside a rubber core vibrates and makes the whole ball move and bounce unpredictably. There’s a protective plastic flap covering the charging port just press the button once for low mode again for high active mode and a third time to power off. Super intuitive for anyone to use. The build quality is solid. While it’s not designed for aggressive chewers and the seller clearly states that which I really appreciate it holds up amazingly well for normal play. My dogs love shaking it tossing it and playing tug of war with me and each other and the toy hasn’t shown any signs of weakening. The reinforced fabric loops are stitched tightly and make it easy for dogs to grab shake and carry even my Lab has a blast tugging on it and the vibration keeps him distracted from pulling too hard. The motion activated vibration works incredibly well. It’s highly sensitive so it activates as soon as your dog paws nudges or moves it then shuts off automatically when play stops to save battery. Both speed modes are a hit the low setting is gentle but engaging and the high setting gets them zooming around. The random movement triggers their natural prey drive so they can play independently for 10 to 20 minutes straight something my people focused standard poodle rarely does without human interaction. It’s fantastic mental stimulation that tires them out without me having to throw a ball a hundred times. It’s truly versatile for all dog sizes and breeds you can’t get more different than a Labrador and a Jack Russell yet both adore it. I ended up buying a second one just to stop them from fighting over it! The soft padded outer cover is gentle on teeth and gums and since the instructions note to remove the inner core before cleaning the cover is clearly machine washable making cleanup a breeze. Battery life is impressive it lasts through multiple play sessions before needing a charge and USB C charging is as convenient as charging a phone. At under $25 this toy offers incredible value way better than similar products I’ve tried that cost twice as much. If you’re tired of boring toys that get ignored or need a way to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated while you work or relax this Qraxond interactive ball is a must have. It’s durable fun easy to use and loved by every dog I’ve seen play with it. Highly highly recommend one of the best pet purchases I’ve ever made!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Christine
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
My dogs love this ball
Color: Blue
This interactive dog ball has been a huge hit with my doodles — Simba, Roxy, and Ozzy! The second I turn it on, they go crazy chasing it around the house. It keeps them entertained, active, and mentally stimulated, especially on rainy days when they can’t burn energy outside. I love that it moves on its own and keeps them engaged without getting bored after 5 minutes like most toys. It’s durable enough for energetic dogs and rechargeable, which is a huge plus. Definitely worth it if you have playful pups that need extra stimulation and exercise!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

recommand products