How to Eliminate a Pencil Cactus
While most people think of cacti as tall, thick-stemmed plants or small, rounded barrels, these succulents grow in a range of sizes and shapes. The pencil cactus, or Euphorbia tiraculli, grows long, thin stems and branches that spread from the base of the plant. This cactus actually hails from the tropics of Africa and India, and grows to heights of 30 feet. The plant also becomes invasive and produces a toxic sap. If you're tired of and overwhelmed by a pencil cactus, protect yourself, cut it down and eliminate it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Jeans
- Safety goggles
- Pruning/lopping shears
- Shovel
Instructions
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Don gloves, jeans and long sleeves for this process. Don't leave any skin exposed. Wear safety goggles as well. If you have long hair, tie it back.
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Prune the branches off the pencil cactus and dispose of them. Don't leave any cuttings lying around because this plant propagates from cuttings and will re-sprout. Cut the cactus until you have only 2 to 3 feet of trunk left.
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Dig into the soil 2 feet from the base of the cactus and find the root system. Dig inward and downward to isolate the roots from the soil, then push the nose of the shovel under the root system and lift up. Dispose of the roots as you have the foliage, then fill the hole back in.
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Tips & Warnings
Digging is easiest in moist, cool earth. Dig up or transplant in the morning for the softest soil.
The sap or "milk" of the pencil cactus is highly toxic, and irritates skin. Don't get it on your skin and avoid rubbing your face or eyes during the process. Symptoms of poisoning include burning, numbness, restlessness and shortness of breath. Seek immediate medial help if you experience any of these symptoms.
