If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that will add a touch of natural beauty to your home or office, then you should consider a pencil cactus. This unique plant comes in a variety of colors and has a striking resemblance to a real pencil! Keep reading to learn more about the 12 plants that look like pencil cactus.
The pencil cactus is a type of succulent that gets its name from its pencil-like shape. It is typically green and fleshy, with narrow branches that grow in a candelabra pattern. Pencil cactus can grow to be quite large, and they are often used as ornamental plants. Pencil cacti are native to South and East Africa, but they can also be found in other parts of the world.
Pencil cactus need very little water and can survive in harsh conditions. They are popular among gardeners because they are easy to care for and require very little maintenance. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your home or office, a pencil cactus might be a perfect choice.
Plants That Look Like Pencil Cactus
Euphorbia Tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli, more commonly known as Indian Tree Spurge or pencil cactus, is a succulent shrub or tree that is native to tropical and semi-tropical regions. It is characterized by its heavy trunk, brown primary branches, and pencil-like, green new branches. leaves cluster at the tips of the branches, as do insignificant flowers within showy bracts. The branch tips turn brightly colored when the plant is grown in bright sunlight. Indian Tree Spurge is drought tolerant and can reach heights of 30 feet when grown outdoors in warm climates. It is typically used as a hedge or barrier. In more temperate climates, it can be kept smaller and used as a houseplant. pencil cactus is winter hardy to USDA Zone 11 and is currently surviving in southern parts of Florida and California in Zone 10.
Rhipsalis Baccifera
Rhipsalis baccifera, also known as Mistletoe cactus, is a popular houseplant and succulent. Native to Central and South America, this epiphyte can be found growing in trees or on rocks. Mistletoe cacti are easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any indoor space. Rhipsalis baccifera has long, slender stems that are covered in tiny spines. The stems can grow up to three feet in length and produce small white flowers. Mistletoe cacti are propagated from stem cuttings and can be grown in pots or hung from baskets. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and will do best in a humid environment. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Mistletoe cacti make an excellent choice for those new to growing succulents. With proper care, they will thrive indoors for many years.
The plant has long thread-like stems that are slender and pendant. The stem is branched and has spikes or spines. The plant flowers in the spring and the fruit ripens in the summer. The fruit is edible and has a sweet taste. The plant is used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomachaches, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Firestick Cactus
The firestick cactus, also known as the Euphorbia tirucalli, is a shrubby succulent that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Africa and gets its name from its red pencil-like branches. The firestick cactus can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has variegated leaves that are green in color with white stripes. The flowers of the firestick cactus are small and yellowish in color. They bloom in the springtime.
It gets its name from its structure: long, thin stems that resemble pencils or twigs stuck together.. The firestick cactus is not actually a cactus; it is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. However, it shares many features with cacti, including the ability to store water in its stems. The firestick cactus is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and easy care requirements.
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis is a genus of 39 epiphytic species in the flowering plant family Cactaceae. They are sometimes referred to as mistletoe cacti because they often grow on other plants. Most Rhipsalis species are native to tropical regions of Central and South America, though a few can be found in Africa and Madagascar. As epiphytes, they typically grow on trees or rocks, using their roots to anchor themselves in place. Many Rhipsalis species are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive indoors.
They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from the small but sprawling chain cactus to the tall and slender columnar cactus. Regardless of their form, all Rhipsalis species are unique and interesting plants that make great additions to any home.
Senecio Peregrinus
The Senecio peregrinus, also known as the dolphin necklace, is a hybrid of Curio rowleyanus and Curio articulatus. It is characterized by its curvy foliage which gives it the appearance of a dolphin necklace. The Senecio peregrinus is native to South Africa and is a relatively rare plant, but it has already become a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance.
Senecio peregrinus requires very little care and can be grown in most indoor environments. However, it should be noted that the plant is poisonous if ingested, so it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Aporocactus Flagelliformis
Aporocactus flagelliformis, commonly known as rat’s tail cactus, is a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. The plant typically grows to be about one to two feet tall, with spines that are up to two inches long. The plant is also characterized by its crimson-pink flowers, which bloom in the springtime. In addition, the plant has trailing stems that can grow up to four feet long.
Rat’s tail cactus is a relatively flexible plant, and its stems can be easily bent or twisted. The plant is also bristly-haired, and its spines are sharp enough to puncture the skin. When grown in captivity, rat’s tail cactus requires very little care and can be an attractive addition to any home.
Rhipsalis(Hatiora) Salicornioides
The Rhipsalis Salicornioides, more commonly known as dancing-bones, is a flowering plant that is native to Brazil. The plant gets its name from its slender, erect stems that are joined together in a bushy, arching shape. Rhipsalis Salicornioides is typically a pale green color, with small yellow-orange flowers that bloom during springtime.
The plant is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of settings, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. While the dancing-bones may not be the most eye-catching plant, it is certainly one of the most unique, and its interesting form is sure to add character to any space.
Rhipsalis Cereuscula
The Rhipsalis Cereuscula, more commonly known as the ‘rice cactus’ or ‘coral cactus’, is a small shrub-like plant that is native to Brazil. It is typically found growing on rocks and trees and can reach up to 2 feet in height. The plant gets its name from its small, round flowers which resemble grains of rice. The Rhipsalis Cereuscula is a popular houseplant and can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture levels. With proper care, the Rhipsalis Cereuscula will bloom in the spring period and may take about a year, making it a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any home.
Rhipsalis Clavata
The Sausage-chain cactus (Rhipsalis clavata) is an epiphytic cactus with pale green pendent stems. It is native to Central and South America, where it grows in the rainforests. The Sausage-chain cactus can reach a length of 7 feet (2.1 m) and has a diameter of 0.4 inches (1 cm). The Sausage-chain cactus is an interesting plant because it is an epiphyte, meaning that it grows on other plants, often in the rainforest canopy.
The Sausage-chain cactus is a popular plant for people to grow in their homes because it is easy to care for and does not require much watering. It can be propagated by stem cuttings.
Rhipsalis Micrantha
These plants are excellent for floral arrangements because they have long, pendant strands that can create an elegant look when hanging from branches or sitting in pots. The flowers come in various colors and flavors including white to pink with colorful berries.
Rhipsalis micrantha is an epiphytic cactus that is native to Costa Rica to western Venezuela. It has long, slender, pendent foliage and small white flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant produces small white berries in the summer. Rhipsalis micrantha is a popular choice for indoor hanging baskets and terrariums due to its small size and attractive foliage. However, it is important to note that this plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold weather.
Rhipsalis Pilocarpa
Rhipsalis pilocarpa, commonly known as the long hairy-fruited wicker ware cactus, is a flowering plant in the shrub category. It is native to Brazil. This plant is easily recognizable by its long, cylindrical stems that are covered in tiny hairs.
The stems are green or reddish in color and can grow up to 2 meters long. The flowers of this plant are small and white, and they bloom in mid-autumn and early winter. The fruits of Rhipsalis pilocarpa are also small pink or red berries, but they are covered in long, silky hairs.
Rhipsalis Grandiflora
Rhipsalis grandiflora is a succulent epiphyte that can be found in the rainforests of South America. It is characterized by its cylindrical stems, which are red-ringed and can reach up to two feet in length. The plant produces white flowers, which bloom in the springtime. Rhipsalis grandiflora is a popular container plant and can be found in many homes and greenhouses.
If you’re looking for other flowering plants that look like chamomile, check out these 8 plants that look like chamomile.
Conclusion
These are only a few examples of plants that look like pencil cactus. If you want to add one of these to your collection, be sure to do your research first and find out which environment each plant needs in order to thrive. With the right amount of care, you can have a beautiful and unique addition to your home that is sure to stand out.