Botanical Name: Euphorbia tirucalli
Common Names: Firesticks, Pencil Cactus, Sticks on Fire, Milk Bush
đ Product Description
Euphorbia tirucalli âFiresticksâ is a striking architectural succulent known for its slender, pencil-like stems that flush vibrant shades of orange, coral, and red in full sun. The intensity of the colour increases during cooler months and bright light exposure, creating a dramatic âflame-likeâ effect in the landscape.
This drought-tolerant, fast-growing succulent makes a bold statement in containers or water-wise gardens and is ideal for modern, minimalist planting designs.
â ïž Important: The milky sap is highly irritating to skin and eyes. Always handle with care and keep away from pets and children.
đ Size When Fully Grown
Height: 1.5 â 3 m (can be pruned to maintain size)
Spread: 1 â 2 m
Growth Habit: Upright, branching succulent shrub
Growth Rate: Fast
đ± Best Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun for best colour development
Soil: Very well-draining sandy or succulent mix
Water:
Feeding: Light feeding during spring and summer
Maintenance:
đŠïž Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)
Best Planting Time: Spring to early summer
Active Growing Season: Spring and summer
Colour Intensifies: Autumn and winter with cooler temperatures
Climate Suitability: Excellent for warm inland and coastal regions
Frost Tolerance: Sensitive to frost; protect below 5°C
đŒ Additional Benefits
â Dramatic architectural form
â Vibrant seasonal colour
â Extremely drought-tolerant
â Low-maintenance
â Excellent feature plant
â Ideal for modern landscapes
đż Ideal Uses
â Feature plant in water-wise gardens
â Contemporary landscape designs
â Large patio containers
â Coastal gardens
â Rock gardens
â Accent plant in succulent displays
