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

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) — Caution is advised as the sap is an irritant; it's recommended to place it in a sunny area, image 81

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 82

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Caution is advised as the sap is an irritant

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Thrives in full sun to partial shade

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — The Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a striking

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — low-maintenance succulent boasting vibrant red-tinged green stems

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Typically reaching up to 8 feet tall

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — this drought-resistant plant adds vertical interest with a spread of 1-3 feet

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Its pointed growth pattern and minimal leaf drop make it ideal for clean, modern designs

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) — also referred to as the African Milk Tree; typically reaching up to 8 feet tall, image 83

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — drought-tolerant succulent that brings a vertical presence and a touch of the exotic to any landscape, image 84

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