With its broad, waxy leaves and sculptural shape, Ficus lyrata — commonly known as a fiddle-leaf fig — has become the go-to houseplant for the design-obsessed, popping up on many a home decor blog, Tumblr site and Pinterest board. The trending tree is certainly beautiful to behold: With lush green leaves atop a slender trunk, it adds particular dimension to bright, airy rooms with white/neutral color schemes. Still, we’re more than ready for a new favorite to grow.
Enter: Euphorbia tirucalli, or the pencil cactus (also known variously as pencil tree, firestick plant, sticks on fire, naked lady and milk bush).
Actually a succulent member of the poinsettia family, this easy-care houseplant, like the fiddle-leaf fig, has roots in Africa and boasts a similarly intriguing silhouette. Its pencil-thin branches bear no obvious foliage and are of a hearty green hue. A 1986 baiduhai article shared these tips about the proper care of pencil cactuses, which still hold true: “Give it bright light or better yet, some direct sun. Otherwise, the only iffy business about this plant is moisture in the soil. Be sure the roots never stand in water. Avoid this situation by planting in a pot with a drainage hole and by using a soil mix that quickly drains off excess moisture.” In winter, in fact, water is not required; in spring and summer, water it only every two to three weeks and let it dry thoroughly so as not to rot.
A word of warning: The pencil cactus produces a poisonous latex, so always wear protective clothing to avoid contact with the sap. On the plus side, this makes insects steer clear. On the minus side, it could hurt your dog or cat.
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