Indoor, full sun outdoors; brightest sunny window indoors
Pencil Cactus
A succulent shrub, about 60 cm, made of thin, pencil-like green stems. It wants full sun or the sunniest window, and very little water.
AED 75each, 60 cm
Prices include 5% VAT.
Height:
Quantity
- Pencil Cactus, 60 cm × 1
- AED 75
- Total
- AED 75
Free delivery in Dubai over AED 199.
Or split into 4 interest-free payments withtabby
Next-day delivery in Dubai, free over AED 199 (AED 30 below). Outside Dubai: Sharjah AED 100, other emirates AED 200. Fees include VAT
Arrives damaged or wrong? Send a photo on WhatsApp on the day of delivery and we'll replace or refund it.
- Light
- Full sun outdoors; brightest sunny window indoors
- Water
- Every 10–14 days in summer when completely dry; every 3–4 weeks in winter
- Pets
- Toxic to pets
- Size
- 60 cm
- Where
- Indoor and outdoor
Why people love it
- Slender pencil-thin green stems form a bold, upright shape.
- Loves Dubai heat and sun, even on a balcony.
- Needs very little water, even in summer.
Worth knowing
- Sap irritates the skin, eyes and mouths of cats and dogs.
- The milky sap irritates skin and eyes, so wear gloves when pruning.
- Dim rooms make it stretch and thin out.
About this plant
Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is not a true cactus but a succulent spurge from Africa. It grows as a dense mass of smooth, cylindrical green branches about the width of a pencil, with tiny leaves that fall early. In cooler, bright conditions some forms flush orange or red at the tips.
It is very well suited to Dubai. It handles full sun, high heat and dry air, and needs little water, so it suits low-maintenance gardens, balconies and rooftop planters. The main risk is overwatering or heavy, poorly draining soil. Indoors it needs a very bright window. Handle it with gloves: the stems contain a milky sap that irritates skin and eyes.
It works in desert-style gardens, gravel beds, sunny balconies and modern planters, and indoors near sunny glass. We offer it at around 60 cm.
- Sizes
- 60 cm
- Light
- Full sun outdoors; brightest sunny window indoors
- Water
- Every 10–14 days in summer when completely dry; every 3–4 weeks in winter
- AC
- Keep it 1 metre from vents
- Pets
- Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (irritant sap (latex); can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach, sometimes vomiting).
Why Green Beetle, Not a Nursery
What changes when you buy here instead of collecting from a nursery.
| Compare | Plant Nursery | Green Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Plant quality | Grown outdoors, stressed indoors | Acclimatized for Dubai interiors |
| Before dispatch | Not checked | Checked for damage |
| Repotting | Needed straight away | Fresh soil, not needed |
| Delivery | You collect | Delivered, packed properly |
| After-care | None | WhatsApp help from our team |
Every plant is checked at our shop in Warsan 3 before it is dispatched. Questions about Pencil Cactus? Message us on WhatsApp.
Care Guide for Dubai Homes
How to keep Pencil Cactus healthy through the Dubai year.
Light
Full sun outdoors; brightest sunny window indoors. Keep it out of harsh direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
Every 10–14 days in summer when completely dry; every 3–4 weeks in winter. Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feels dry, empty the saucer afterwards, and check the soil before you water: AC slows how fast the plant uses water.
Care notes
Soil: Gritty cactus and succulent mix with sand or pumice. Feeding: Cactus fertilizer two or three times from spring to late summer. Common mistake: Pruning or repotting without gloves, which exposes skin and eyes to the irritant sap. Where it works: Desert gardens, gravel beds, sunny balconies, rooftop planters and bright windows.
AC and air flow
Keep it at least 1 metre from AC vents. Cold air blowing straight onto the leaves dries the edges.
Cleaning the leaves
Dust settles quickly in Dubai homes. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks so they keep taking in light.
Feeding and repotting
Feed once a month from March to October. Repot every 2 years into a pot one size up, or book a Plant Doctor visit and we do it for you.
Pets
Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (irritant sap (latex); can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach, sometimes vomiting).
Need Help Later On?
Book a Plant Doctor visit: our team checks the plant, changes the soil, feeds, prunes and cleans it, and shows you how to keep it healthy.
Book a Plant Doctor VisitComplete Your Space
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Pencil Cactus FAQs
Can Pencil Cactus grow outdoors in Dubai summer?
Yes. It handles full sun and heat well as long as the soil drains freely.
Is the sap dangerous?
The milky sap irritates skin and eyes, so wear gloves when cutting or repotting and wash hands afterward.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists Pencil Cactus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses because of its irritant sap.
How often should I water it?
Every 10 to 14 days in summer once completely dry, and every 3 to 4 weeks in winter.
Need 10 or more for an office, hotel or restaurant?
We install and maintain them too, with one written quote.