Firesticks Plant
The Firesticks Plant is a succulent plant in the family Euphorbiaceae native to Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. It has long, thin, bright green stem segments each with 6 to 13 ridges and yellow or red spikes. The Firesticks Plant is grown for ornamental reasons, either as a houseplant or as a garden plant in tropical regions. It is known as a clever plant because of its high adaptability and low maintenance. It is also called inlay bush, pencil tree, and stick tree.
The Firesticks Plant loves water, however due to its succulent nature, it needs to be careful that it does not over-water which can lead to root rot. Water your Firesticks Plant deeply but sparingly. It should be watered enough to keep the soil constantly moist but never soaking wet. The best way to tell if it is time to water is by checking the top 2 inches of soil for moisture, if it is dry then its time to water.
The Firesticks Plant prefers bright, direct sunlight if it can be obtained. If not, it can get by in bright, indirect light as well. When grown indoors, the Firesticks Plant can do with some 4-5 hours of bright indirect sunlight a day. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight through windows as this can burn it. For maximum coloration outside, give it full sun..
The Firesticks Plant prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) in the daytime and roughly 10-15°F (6-9°C) cooler at night. During the winter season, the ideal temperature is 55-65°F (12-18°C). A cool room with air circulation is beneficial for its survival.
Firesticks Plant needs high levels of humidity to survive. It requires humid environments such as near the mist of a shower or a humidifier. If you can’t provide the right level of humidity, then you must mist the plant or put its pot on a tray filled with water.
The Firesticks Plant prefers a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. The soil should be able to retain some water, but also drain quickly enough. The mix can contain sand, peat moss, vermiculite, perlite and soil. Make sure to choose a soil that is lightweight and airy.
The Firesticks Plant does not require much in terms of fertilizer. During it’s growing season it only needs to be fertilized once a month with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer or a specialty cacti and succulent fertilizer. During its rest period, there is no need to fertilize.
Firesticks Plant is generally pest free, if bugs do appear they can easily be treated. The most common problem is spider mites, which look like tiny dots on the underside of the leaves. If you notice this, the easiest way to get rid of them is to spray insecticidal soap on the plant's leaves. Alternatively, you can use neem oil or horticultural oil as they will suffocate any unwanted bugs. Plant pests can also be treated with holy water or physical removal.
The Firesticks Plant can stay in its container for a couple of years. When it is time to repot, use a shallow container that has a drainage hole, as this will help the water drain more easily. Also, choose a wider container than the last one, as the plant needs the space to grow. Repot the Firesticks Plant in the spring, when the top layer of soil has completely dried out.
The Firesticks Plant rarely needs to be pruned, as it is a succulent and grows mainly with light shaping. If pruning is necessary, it’s best to do it in the growing season. Take off the weak, brown, twisted or dead branches. Take off no more than 20-25% of the stem in order to encourage healthy growth.
A top layer of mulch is not necessary for the Firesticks Plant, however, if you do decide to mulch, you should choose something organic. Organic compost or pine bark chips are a great choice as these don’t retain much water. You can also use succulent and cacti mix products if you want a more ornamental look.
The Firesticks Plant can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the summer when temperatures are high. Take a cutting around 5-6 inches in length and plant it in cactus potting mix. Make sure the stem cutting is mostly dry before planting it. Place the pot in a shady / indirect light spot with regular warmth, humidity and water.
The Firesticks Plant can be easily supported as it is a thinner and flexible succulent. It can be supported by bamboo stakes or strings tied to stakes. Avoid using wire or metal supports as these can harm the plant.
The Firesticks Plant requires proper rest in the winter. This means that temperatures should be cooler and the watering should be reduced to once a month. During this period, the plant should also be kept in a dark location with minimal light or temperature exposure
The Firesticks Plant is toxic to animals and should be kept out of the reach of pets. This plant contains toxic saponins and the milky sap is an irritant to humans and animals.
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