Touching a pencil cactus can cause skin irritation and even pain, depending on how sensitive you are to it. Cactus spines are made up of tiny little needles and are full of essential oils which contain a compound called oxalate.
When these needles come into contact with skin, the oxalate reacts, causing your skin to become inflamed and itchy. In some cases, skin irritation can be intense and even result in a mild burn. In the worst cases, if you are highly sensitive to the oxalate, a reaction can lead to a rash and even swelling.
So if you’re going to touch a pencil cactus, it’s in your best interests to wear gloves or use a tool to keep your hands protected.
How toxic is a pencil cactus?
Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a species of cactus native to Africa, India and the Middle East. It is a succulent plant and can become quite large if it is left undesigned. Pencil cactus is also known as ‘strawberry cactus’ due to its red-pinkness when young.
Although the pencil cactus does not look particularly dangerous at first glance, it actually contains a toxic white sap that can cause intense eye and skin irritation if it comes in contact with it. Ingestion of the sap can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so it is best to keep it away from children and animals.
If contact does occur, thoroughly wash the part of the body that has come into contact with it, including the eyes if contact is made there, to prevent further irritation.
Is pencil cactus toxic to humans?
No, pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is not toxic to humans. This cactus is actually quite safe and non-toxic, even when it is ingested. In fact, euphorbia has several potential medicinal uses. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties, and has traditionally been used in folk remedies by the indigenous people of Africa and Asia.
Even if ingested, it is not an irritant to the digestive system and will generally pass safely through the body. However, since any plant or plant part can cause allergies in some people, please consult your doctor if you are concerned about any potential allergies.
Can I cut the top off my pencil cactus?
No, it is not a good idea to cut off the top of your pencil cactus. This type of cactus, also known as a Euphorbia tirucalli, is actually an evergreen succulent with a very specific growth pattern. If you cut off the top, it can cause stress and deformities to the plant, making it susceptible to disease.
It is best to prune pencil cactus, if needed, by cutting individual stems or removing offshoots. This will help the plant maintain its structural integrity, and also help encourage new growth. You should also be careful when pruning as the plant can splinter and cause skin irritation.
It is important to wear gloves, and use sharp, clean pruning tools when caring for your pencil cactus.
Does pencil cactus change color?
Yes, pencil cactus can change color and can become more vibrant in color as it matures, as well as during different times of the year. The spines of a pencil cactus may also change color and become darker with age.
When grown indoors, pencil cactus will typically take on a bright and vibrant green color. Outdoors, however, the color of the leaves will sometimes change to a yellowish-green or a deep olive green depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.
Additionally, when the pencil cactus flowers, it will turn a deep reddish-orange or pinkish-red color.
How do you take care of a pencil?
Taking care of a pencil is relatively easy if you follow a few simple rules. First, store your pencils in a sharpener or container to keep them safe and organized. Next, sharpen your pencil with a sharpener to get a sharp point and a longer-lasting writing tip.
Additionally, always use a quality eraser that won’t smudge your work. Make sure to keep your writing surface clean and use blotting paper to erase any pencil marks that smear. Finally, when you’re done using your pencil for the time being, put it away in the proper place.
Keeping your pencils organized is a key part of maintaining their quality. Knowing how to take care of a pencil will help ensure that you can enjoy using it for a long time.
Are pencil cactus safe?
Yes, pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is generally considered to be safe. While the sap, which may come out when the pencil cactus is cut or damaged, can cause skin irritation in some people, there have been no reported cases of any serious health complications due to contact with the plant.
The pencil cactus is non-toxic to humans and animals, making it safe to have in homes and gardens where small children, pets, and wildlife may come into contact with it. As with all other plants, it is still important to wash hands after handling the plant, and keep it away from small children and pets who might be tempted to chew on it.
Additionally, some people may experience an allergic reaction when coming into contact with the sap of pencil cactus, so it is best to take caution and wear protective clothing such as gloves when handling the plant.
Is pencil cactus same as Firestick?
No, pencil cactus and firestick cactus are not the same. Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is an evergreen succulent shrub native to tropical regions of Africa and India. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 m and produces yellow flowers on long stems.
Firestick cactus (Euphorbia abramsiana) is a species of cactus native to California and Baja Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 m and produces white flowers that open in the morning and close in the late afternoon.
Although they both belong to the same genus (Euphorbia), they have different appearance and habitat, which makes them distinct from one another.
Can pencil cactus live outside?
Yes, pencil cactus (Euphorbia Tirucalli) can live outside in some climates. This drought-resistant succulent does best in hot and dry climates with little to no humidity. It can also tolerate some frost and colder temperatures as long as it is kept dry.
When kept outside, sawdust mulch or coarse sand should be placed around the base of the plant to protect it from extreme temperatures and help retain water. Pencil cactus should be planted in a well-draining pot and placed in an area of direct sunlight for at least 4 hours each day.
This succulent should be watered regularly during the growing season, but the soil should be completely dry before the next watering, as the plant is prone to root rot in wet and humid conditions.
How long can a cactus live inside?
The life expectancy of a cactus inside varies depending on several factors such as species and the environment in which it is kept. Generally speaking, indoor cacti can live for approximately 5-10 years if given the proper care, such as ample sunlight, adequate ventilation, and occasionally misting in dryer climates.
However, some cacti may live much longer if given the right conditions, with certain species known to live for over 20 years. Because of this, it’s important to research the type of cactus you are purchasing and consider its specific environmental needs.
Additionally, during their lifespan, cacti may flower or even produce fruit in the right conditions, which can make them a fascinating houseplant to keep indoors.