In most areas of the country, firestick plant (Euphorbia tirucalli) is grown as a succulent houseplant. It has green stems that turn yellow in summer, then turn fiery shades of orange, pink, and red in winter. The more sun the plant receives, the brighter the colors become. In dry regions that don’t freeze in winter, firesticks can be grown outdoors as a dense hedge or small tree. This guide covers how to grow firestick plant indoors or out in the garden.
Firestick plant stalks ooze a toxic milky sap when damaged. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and safety glasses when working with firesticks. They are also toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Firesticks Overview
| Genus Name | Euphorbia tirucalli |
| Common Name | Firesticks |
| Additional Common Names | Sticks of fire, Rosea, Indian tree spurge, Red pencil cactus |
| Plant Type | Houseplant, Perennial, Shrub, Tree |
| Light | Sun |
| Height | 1 to 25 Feet |
| Width | 1 to 10 Feet |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Foliage Color | Blue/Green |
| Season Features | Winter Interest |
| Special Features | Good for Containers, Low Maintenance |
| Zones | 10, 11, 9 |
| Propagation | Stem Cuttings |
| Problem Solvers | Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant |
Where to Plant Firesticks
Firestick plant is a euphorbia, also called spurge, that is native to Africa. It grows outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11 in areas that never freeze, or indoors as a houseplant in any location. Either way, it needs fast-draining soil and full sun. Firesticks also need warm temperatures and low humidity.Â
When grown in the ground outdoors, be sure to place firesticks away from high traffic areas. Brushing against one can cause the delicate stems to break and ooze toxic sap.
Firestick plant isn’t listed on state or national invasive species lists in the United States but has shown invasive tendencies in parts of Florida, California, and Hawaii.
How and When to Plant Firesticks
The best time to plant firesticks outdoors is in spring, early summer, or early autumn. Avoid planting in the heat of summer or when the plant stops growing in winter. 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. Outdoors, the plant may grow as high as 25 feet tall.
When growing firestick as a houseplant, add high-quality potting soil formulated for succulents to a container with excellent drainage. Select the sunniest place in your home for this sun-lover. The more sun it receives, the brighter the plant’s colors will become. However, it doesn’t grow as tall when planted indoors.
Firestick Plant Care Tips
Firestick is easy to grow if it receives enough sunlight and isn’t grown in wet soil. These plants cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and need protection from light frost.
Light
Firesticks grow best in full sun or very light shade. Plants grown as houseplants and moved outside during warm weather need to be slowly acclimated to the additional light by increasing the amount of sunlight over two to three weeks. Do this by moving the pot into and out of direct sunlight. Start by exposing the plant to morning sun only and increasing the length of time in the sun each day.
Soil and Water
Firesticks grow in fast-draining soil that is low in organic matter. Soil with a lot of organic matter holds water and causes the plant to rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely before rewatering. Reduce watering in winter when plant growth slows or stops altogether.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant needs hot temperatures and low humidity. It cannot handle freezing temperatures and must be protected from frost. When it is grown in a container outdoors, move it indoors when nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F.
Fertilizer
Firesticks grow successfully with little fertilizer. Use half-strength cactus or houseplant fertilizer in the spring once the plant begins to put on new growth. Don’t fertilize in late summer or autumn. Plants grown in the ground can be lightly fertilized in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning
Firesticks rarely need pruning. Cut the plant back with sharp pruners or a pruning saw if it becomes overgrown. To avoid the toxic sap, it is essential to wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection whenever you come into contact with this plant. If you get the sap on your skin, immediately wash it off with lukewarm water and soap.
Potting and Repotting Firestick Plant
Repot firestick plant in spring after it begins to put on new growth. Firesticks don’t need to be repotted every year, but plants can become top-heavy over time. Use a heavy pot to avoid tipping, and stake or support newly potted plants while they root in the new soil.
Pests and Problems
Root rot is 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 mites occasionally cause problems, but can be washed off with a strong jet of water.
How to Propagate Firestick Plant
Firestick plant can easily be propagated with cuttings. Here’s how:
- Wear gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses while taking cuttings to avoid exposure to the irritating sap.
- Take 6- to 12-inch cuttings in late spring or summer.
- Wash away the sap with water and allow the cuttings to callus for two to seven days.
- Place the cut ends into lightly dampened potting soil.
- Don’t soak the soil with water, and allow it to dry out between waterings.
How to Remove Firestick Plant
When removing this shrub, make sure you wear protective clothing. Never touch it with your bare hands. Once you’re dressed in protective gear, cut straight through the main stem, then spray the exposed trunk with a herbicide. Wait a full week for it to kill the root system, then dig 18 inches out from the trunk to make sure you’re able to access all the roots. Remove the root ball and pick through the soil to find any additional root pieces. Then dispose of the root ball and root pieces.
Types of Firestick Plant
‘Rosea’
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Rosea’ is often referred to as ‘Sticks on Fire’ or red pencil cactus. It has stems that stay red much of the year. When grown as a houseplant, it can reach up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it can be planted outside as a perennial in Zones 9–11 in areas that never experience freezing weather.
Firestick Companion Plants
The best companion plants to grow with firesticks enjoy the same full-sun, dry environment.
Yellow Bells
Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) are a drought-tolerant, full-sun shrub covered in yellow flowers throughout the summer. New introductions have red and orange flowers that withstand the hottest summer weather. The flowers, particularly the red flowers, are favorites of hummingbirds.
Texas Sage
Denny Schrock
Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) has silvery-gray leaves and intense purple flowers. It can be sheared into a ball or left to grow naturally. It complements firesticks’ green, yellow, orange, and red stems. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Yucca
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa), like firestick plant, makes a bold statement in the desert garden. The broad, strappy leaves contrast with the upright stems of firesticks. It prefers a full-sun garden and can withstand serious drought conditions. It produces extremely tall stalks with masses of flowers.