Skip to content

Red Pencil Tree

Euphorbia tirucalli

Design with this plant

Overview

The Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a striking, low-maintenance succulent boasting vibrant red-tinged green stems. Typically reaching up to 8 feet tall, this drought-resistant plant adds vertical interest with a spread of 1-3 feet. Its pointed growth pattern and minimal leaf drop make it ideal for clean, modern designs. Caution is advised as the sap is an irritant. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sun Full, HalfWater Very LowZones 9–10
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — low-maintenance succulent boasting vibrant red-tinged green stems; typically reaching heights of 6 to 9, image 77
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Its pointed growth pattern and minimal leaf drop make it ideal for clean, modern designs; thrives in full, image 55Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Caution is advised as the sap is an irritant; it's recommended to place it in a sunny area, image 56Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Thrives in full sun to partial shade; it's crucial to handle it with care due to its mildly toxic sap and, image 57Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — also referred to as the African Milk Tree; typically reaching up to 8 feet tall, image 58Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — drought-tolerant succulent that brings a vertical presence and a touch of the exotic to any landscape, image 59Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This hardy and easy-to-care-for plant is characterized by its upright; in line with typical succulent care, image 60+77

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Euphorbiaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (84)

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — this drought-resistant plant adds vertical interest with a spread of 1-3 feet; succulent for full or half, image 54
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Its pointed growth pattern and minimal leaf drop make it ideal for clean, modern designs; thrives in full, image 55
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Caution is advised as the sap is an irritant; it's recommended to place it in a sunny area, image 56
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Thrives in full sun to partial shade; it's crucial to handle it with care due to its mildly toxic sap and, image 57
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — also referred to as the African Milk Tree; typically reaching up to 8 feet tall, image 58
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — drought-tolerant succulent that brings a vertical presence and a touch of the exotic to any landscape, image 59
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This hardy and easy-to-care-for plant is characterized by its upright; in line with typical succulent care, image 60
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — covered in small leaves and thorns
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — also referred to as the African Milk Tree
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — drought-tolerant succulent that brings a vertical presence and a touch of the exotic to any landscape design
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This hardy and easy-to-care-for plant is characterized by its upright
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — typically reaching heights of 6 to 9 feet when grown outdoors in the ground
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — with a striking red or purple hue that enhances its appeal
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — it's recommended to place it in a sunny area
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, and should be protected or brought indoors in cooler climates
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — It requires minimal water
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — in line with typical succulent care
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — making it an ideal choice for water-efficient landscapes.<br><br>For the client
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — the Red Pencil Tree offers a low-maintenance
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — visually interesting specimen that can serve as a focal point or can be grouped for a striking
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — It's crucial to handle it with care due to its mildly toxic sap and sharp edges
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Always wear gloves when pruning or handling this plant
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — red flowers in the garden
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — succulent with red blooms

Related plants

Leucodendron Spurge (Euphorbia Leucodendron) — The Cat Tails Euphorbia, or Euphorbia leucodendron, is a striking succulent shrub

Leucodendron Spurge

Euphorbia Leucodendron

Full · Zones 10–11

Fire Sticks (Euphorbia Tirucalli 'Flame') — Euphorbia tirucalli 'Flame' or Fire Sticks is a striking

Fire Sticks

Euphorbia Tirucalli 'Flame'

Full · Zones 8–10

Diamond Mountain® Euphorbia — or Euphorbia Diamond Mountain®

Diamond Mountain® Euphorbia

Euphorbia

Full · Zones 10–11

Lady's Slipper, Slipper Plant (Pedilanthus Macrocarpa) — The Lady's Slipper (Pedilanthus macrocarpa) is a unique perennial succulent, reaching up to 3-4 feet

Lady's Slipper, Slipper Plant

Pedilanthus Macrocarpa

Full · Zones 9–10

Slipper Plant (Pedilanthus Macrocarpus) — Slipper Flower (Pedilanthus macrocarpus) is a distinctive succulent shrub

Slipper Plant

Pedilanthus Macrocarpus

Full · Zones 9–11

African Candelabra (Euphorbia Ammak 'Green') — commonly known as African Candelabra

African Candelabra

Euphorbia Ammak 'Green'

Full · Zones 11–11