Pencil tree

Pencil tree is a succulent shrub or small tree whose thick trunk and brown older branches support dense clusters of smooth, green, pencil-thin shoots. Tiny leaves appear briefly and drop, leaving the branching stems as the main feature. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euphorbia-tirucalli/common-name/rubber-euphorbia/) reports plants up to 30 feet tall outdoors, with smaller 2–6-foot plants indoors. ## Siting and Water Give it full sun or bright indirect light and sharply drained soil; in hot-summer climates, afternoon shade can reduce stress. Let the soil dry between waterings. This species suits a large container or a warm-climate screen, but its stated USDA hardiness is 11–12, so move container plants indoors before cold weather. Yellow, inconspicuous flowers are tucked among showy bracts in spring and summer. ## Maintenance The plant’s caustic milky sap can injure skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves, avoid splashes, and keep cut stems and prunings away from children and pets. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and monitor for spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. [Singapore NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/0/2008) also records its highly branched succulent growth and broad mature-size range.