Pencil plants might sound like something you’d find in a stationery store, but these green beauties are a quirky addition to your plant collection. Known for their low-maintenance charm, they also pack anti-inflammatory benefits and can aid in overall health.
So, while they’re keeping your space looking sleek, they’re also lending a hand to your well-being.
Pencil plants have various medicinal applications but they should be used with caution, says Northwest-based agronomist Mandisa Mazibuko.
Exploring medicinal benefits
Mazibuko says the plant’s latex is known to help treat asthma and gallbladder stones. The bark is traditionally used to aid in treating fractures, while the roots can be boiled and used as emetics for addressing poisonous snake bites.
“The plant can also act as a laxative to control intestinal worms,” she explains, “though consuming it in large amounts may lead to nausea or vomiting.”
Mandisa Mazibuko
Mazibuko notes that the bark’s use in treating fractures and the roots’ role as emetics bring out their value in traditional remedies.
Despite these benefits, caution is advised due to potential side effects.
Grow yours
The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), also commonly called milk bush due to its thick and white sap, thrives in dry climates with plenty of sun, says Babalwa Mpambani, a horticulture scientist and scientific manager for horticulture research at the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute in the Eastern Cape.
She notes that pencil plants evolved in such dry climates, so they should be kept in a bright location for optimal growth.
“This plant will not tolerate low light conditions. Direct sun, or plenty of bright ambient light from a western, eastern, or southern facing window is ideal for this plant to thrive.”
Babalwa Mpambani
Mpambani says pencil cactus thrives best in well-drained sandy soil. As a succulent, it is highly susceptible to root rot caused by excess moisture.
“If planted in the pots, adequate drainage holes are critical to prevent overwatering which can lead to diseases.”
She adds, “The pot size should be in proportion to the plant, not too large as to retain much water. It might be necessary to transfer the plant to a new pot as it continues to grow.”
READ NEXT: From kitchen to cosmetics: The many lives of palm oil
Handle with care
Mpambani notes that the latex found in pencil cactus, like other euphorbias, is highly toxic and can cause serious harm.
“The latex is very toxic and may cause blindness, blisters on the skin, and even prove fatal if enough of it is swallowed,” she warns.
“Sap in any form, including dried sap, is irritating and can be toxic if one gets it on exposed skin such as bare hands or in eyes,” Mpambani adds.
She notes that the dried sap may be present on the plant at any time and can still be toxic.
For safe handling, Mpambani suggests the following precautions:
- Never touch this plant with bare hands; always wear gloves when handling it and wash your hands thoroughly with soap after any contact.
- This plant is particularly deceptive, as it appears harmless with no spines or sharp edges to warn unsuspecting people or pets.
- A pedestrian or pet might accidentally brush against its brittle “leaves”, causing a piece to break off and release its toxic milky sap, potentially leading to severe injuries.
- Keep children and pets away from this plant.
- When working with the plant, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, gloves, sturdy shoes, and eye protection. Be sure to wash your clothes after handling it.
- Plant it at a safe distance from sidewalks.
- It’s better to plant it in the ground rather than in a pot, as it quickly outgrows its container.
- Once planted in the ground, consider completely removing it every three years and starting over with a cutting, as the plant will fill out its space and become difficult to prune when large.
ALSO READ: Cultivating okra: A versatile veggie with deep roots
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.
