How to Replant a Firestick Cactus

A beautiful but deadly succulent, the firestick cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), also known as the pencil tree or pencil cactus, is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10b through 11 and cannot survive freezing temperatures. The plant's milky-white latex sap is infamous for the pain it can inflict on unfortunate gardeners. Extreme care must be taken when transplanting a firestick cactus (see references 1, 2 and 3).


Put on long-sleeved shirt, long pants, eye protection, such as goggles or safety glasses, and gardening gloves. The firestick cactus' sap can injure skin and eyes if it comes into contact with them. Full protection should be worn before handling the plant.


Fill the bottom of a pot with a 2- to 3-inch layer of cactus or succulent potting soil. The pot must be 2 to 3 inches wider and deeper than the plant's current pot and have drainage holes.

Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the plant's root ball if you are planting the firestick cactus outside. Ensure 2 to 3 feet of space is on all sides of the hole to prevent the firestick cactus from being crowded by other plants. Also ensure the plant will be away from children and pets. Mix sand into the planting location's topsoil if the soil is not well-drained.


Grasp the plant's base gently, and turn its pot onto its side. Squeeze the sides of the pot gently, and tap on the pot's bottom while slowly pulling on the plant to remove it from the pot. Do not snap any of the plant's branches. Otherwise, the plant will leak its harmful sap.


Place the firestick cactus carefully into its new pot or planting hole. Add or remove soil as needed so the plant will sit at the same soil depth it sat in its previous pot. Fill the area surrounding the plant's roots with soil, and gently pat that soil until it is firm. Water the soil until it is thoroughly moist.