Ignite your garden with the blazing colours of Fire Sticks! This striking succulent shrub is a living sculpture, with pencil‑thin stems that glow green in summer and transform into fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow as the cooler months arrive. Its ever‑changing palette makes it one of the most dramatic statement plants for Cape Town gardens. Perfect for rockeries, bold container displays, or as a water‑wise focal point, Fire Sticks thrives in full sun and poor soils where other plants struggle. Category: Ornamental, Water‑wise, Architectural Plant. With its sculptural form and seasonal colour fireworks, Fire Sticks is guaranteed to turn heads all year round. Fire Sticks Euphorbia tirucalli
Plant in sandy, well‑draining soil and position in full sun for best colour. Water sparingly, especially in winter, as it is highly drought‑tolerant. Prune lightly to shape, but always wear gloves and eye protection when handling due to its toxic sap. Protect from frost and excessive winter rain by ensuring good drainage.
Fire Sticks is also known as “Pencil Plant” or “Sticks on Fire.” Its colour intensifies in cooler weather, making winter gardens glow with fiery tones. Despite its beauty, the plant’s latex sap is highly toxic, which is why it has also been used historically in traditional practices, though modern gardeners prize it purely for its ornamental drama.
| Botanical Name |
Euphorbia Tirucalli
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Growth Expectancy
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2 m H x 2 m W
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Position
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Sun - Semi shade
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| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | Yes |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic; sap irritates skin/eyes, poisonous if ingested |
