Learn how to grow this succulent with color-changing stems in fiery shades of red and orange.
The firestick plant(Euphorbia tirucalli)is a colorful tropical succulent.
The more sun the plant receives, the brighter the colors become.
Credit: Edward Golich
In most areas of the country, the firestick plant is grown as a houseplant.
In dry, frost-free climates, it can be grown outdoors as a dense hedge or small tree.
Like all members of theEuphorbiagenus, the firestick plant is toxic to humans and pets.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Here’s how to grow the firestick plant indoors or out in the garden.
Firestick plant stalks ooze a toxic milky sap when bruised.
Wear long sleeves, gloves, and safety glasses when handling the plant.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Be sure to place firesticks away from high-traffic areas.
Brushing against it causes the delicate stems to break and ooze toxic sap.
Avoid planting in the heat of summer or during the plant’s rest period in the winter.
Credit: Lee Anne White
Water the new plant once a week until new roots develop.
Once the plant has rooted, allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering.
Larger plants may need to be staked until they have rooted in the ground.
Remove the stakes when the plant is secure, usually in two to three months.
When growing firestick as a houseplant, add high-quality potting mix for succulents to a container with excellent drainage.
Firestick Plant Care Tips
Firestick is easy to grow if it receives ample sunlight and warmth.
Light
Firesticks grow best infull sun.
For indoors plants, pick the sunniest place in your home for this sun-lover.
The more sun it receives, the brighter the colors will become.
Do this by moving the pot into and out of direct sunlight.
Soil and Water
Firesticks need fast-draining soil that is low in organic matter.
Soil with a lot of organic matter holds more water and may cause the plant to rot.
Allow the soil to dry out completelybefore rewatering.
Reduce watering in winter when plant growth slows or stops altogether.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant thrives in hot temperatures and low humidity.
It cannot handle freezing temperatures and must be protected from frost.
Move potted plants indoors when nighttime temperatures dip below 50F.
Fertilizer
Firesticks grow successfully with little fertilizer.
For outdoor plants, lightly fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Dont fertilize in late summer or autumn.
Pruning
Firesticks rarely need pruning and only if they become overgrown.
Cut the plant back with sharp pruners or a pruning saw.
Always wear protective gear when pruning.
Repot firestick plant in spring after it begins to put on new growth.
Pests and Problems
Root rotis the primary problem with firesticks.
Be sure to grow the plant in fast-draining soil and allow it to dry completely between waterings.
Reduce watering even more in winter when the plant stops growing.
Another common problem is too little light.
Plants grown outdoors should be placed in full sun.
Plants grown as succulent houseplants should be in the sunniest window possible to avoid root rot.
Indoor plants that do not get enough light may look yellow and weak.
If needed, use a grow light.
Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mitesoccasionally cause problems.
Wash them off with a strong jet of water.
How to Propagate Firestick Plant
Firestick plant is easy topropagate from cuttings.
Cut straight through the main stem, then spray the exposed trunk with a herbicide.
Remove the root ball and pick through the soil to find any additional root pieces.
Then dispose of the root ball and root pieces.
When grown as a houseplant, it reaches up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width.
Some newer introductions have red and orange flowers that withstand the hottest summer weather.
The flowers, particularly the red flowers, are favorites of hummingbirds.
Shear it into a ball or let it grow naturally.
It complements the green, yellow, orange, and red stems of firesticks.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
The broad, strappy leaves contrast with the upright stems of firesticks.
It prefers a full-sun garden and withstands serious drought conditions.
It produces extremely tall stalks with masses of flowers.
There are about 2,000 different euphorbias, and over half of them are succulents.
This highly varied group of plants includes flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs, succulents, and trees.
Firesticks attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to the garden.
The plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.
Pencil Cactus.ASPCA
“Euphorbia tirucalli.”
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
