Are you looking for unique and eye-catching plants to add to your indoor garden? If so, you might want to consider plants that resemble pencil cactus. These plants are known for their slender and upright stems that resemble the shape of a pencil.
Not only are they visually appealing, but they are also easy to take care of, making them perfect for beginner plant enthusiasts.
In this article, we will explore the 9 plants that look like pencil cactus and provide essential information on how to take care of them.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of pencil cactus look-alikes!
1. Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as the pencil tree, is one of the most popular plants that resemble pencil cactus. Like the pencil cactus, it has thin green stems that grow upright and can reach up to 30 feet tall in their natural habitat.
However, it is important to note that this plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so handle it with care.
Taking care of the Euphorbia tirucalli is relatively easy. It requires bright light, but indirect sunlight is preferable. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
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2. Rhipsalis baccifera
Rhipsalis baccifera, also known as mistletoe cactus, is a tropical epiphytic plant that looks like the pencil cactus but with a softer and more delicate appearance.
It has long and thin green stems that hang down and can reach up to 6 feet long in their natural habitat.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, and it is essential to avoid direct sunlight as it can burn its delicate leaves. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as it can lead to root rot.
3. Euphorbia lactea
Euphorbia lactea, also known as the mottled spurge, is a succulent plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its upright and thin green stems.
It has white and green variegated leaves that make it visually appealing and unique.
This plant requires bright light and can tolerate direct sunlight. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
4. Hatiora salicornioides
Hatiora salicornioides, also known as the dancing bones cactus, is a unique-looking plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its thin and upright green stems.
However, it has a more intricate appearance, with its stems branching out and growing in different directions, creating a visually appealing look.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
5. Stenocereus pruinosus
Stenocereus pruinosus, also known as the gray ghost cactus, is a plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its thin and upright green stems.
However, it has a more unique appearance with its grayish-green stems covered in a white waxy powder that gives it a ghostly appearance.
This plant requires bright light and can tolerate direct sunlight. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
It is also important to note that this plant can grow up to 30 feet tall in its natural habitat, so make sure to provide enough space for it to grow.
6. Aporocactus flagelliformis
Aporocactus flagelliformis, also known as rat tail cactus, is a unique-looking plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its thin and upright green stems.
However, its stems are softer and more delicate, with tiny spines that grow along its sides.
This plant requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
7. Cleistocactus strausii
Cleistocactus strausii, also known as the silver torch cactus, is a visually appealing plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its thin and upright green stems.
However, it has a more unique appearance, with its stems covered in silvery-white spines that give it a torch-like appearance.
This plant requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
8. Euphorbia antisyphilitica
Euphorbia antisyphilitica, also known as candelilla, is a unique-looking plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its thin and upright green stems.
However, it has a more intricate appearance, with its stems branching out and growing in different directions, creating a visually appealing look.
This plant requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
It is also important to note that this plant is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so handle it with care.
9. Stetsonia coryne
Stetsonia coryne, also known as the Argentine saguaro, is a plant that resembles the pencil cactus with its thin and upright green stems.
However, it has a more unique appearance with its stems covered in spines and small white flowers that bloom in the summer.
This plant requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
It is also important to note that this plant can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat, so make sure to provide enough space for it to grow.
Conclusion
Plants that resemble pencil cactus are a great addition to any indoor garden. They are visually appealing, unique, and easy to take care of, making them perfect for beginner plant enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking for a plant with thin and upright green stems or one with intricate branching patterns, there’s a plant on this list for everyone.
Remember to always research the specific care instructions for each plant before bringing them into your home. While most of these plants are easy to take care of, they still require proper care and attention to thrive.
So, whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to start your indoor garden, consider adding one of these 9 plants that look like pencil cactus to your collection.
With their unique appearance and easy-care requirements, they are sure to bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to any space.
