Awesome!! Yeah they’re super cool plants. Just be aware of the toxic content. Definitely wear gloves when you trim it and be careful if there’s children or pets around it 😎 Thanks for watchin!
A SAFETY HEADS-UP . . . THE FIRE STICK VS PENCIL CACTUS Although the local growers refer to these plants as “cacti,” they are not. Instead, both the Red and the Green varieties are succulents. The primary difference between the two succulents is a seasonal color change for the Fire Stick, and the Pencil Cactus remains green all year. Here in North Phoenix, at 1,900 ft. elevation, the Fire Sticks changes from mostly green to beautiful bright red in early December, and the red color continues into late January and sometimes early February. As mentioned, the Pencil Cactus remains a medium to dark green 12 months out of the year. I use the green Pencil Cacti in the backyard to soften the masonry perimeter walls. I like the fact the Pencil Cacti do not change colors seasonally, so the backyard landscaping always has a consistent appearance. FRONT AND BACK YARDS I use the Fire Sticks in the front yard for curb appeal and to add a splash of seasonal color. I live in an area that is heavily populated with seasonal “Snowbirds.” Most of the Snowbirds come from cold regions of the US and Canada, and they seem to be enamored by these plants during its “red” season. In fact, my security cameras often capture Snowbirds snapping pictures of the Fire Sticks. During the “green months,” the Fire Sticks are not as green as its cousin the Pencil Cactus. During the transition from bright red to medium/light green, the Fire Sticks often have a yellowish appearance, which makes the plant look like it has an irrigation issue or is unhealthy. So, I am glad when the plants regains it solid green color. A SAFETY HEADS-UP . . . If I’m working in the front yard during the winter and spring, I am often asked by walkers, “What is the name of those beautiful red plants.” I reply, “They are call Fire Sticks, but if you are considering placing them in your yard, I have the following safety information to share.” ME vs. FIRE STICK . . . One summer, I was trimming the Fire Sticks, and I got some of the plant’s “Milk” on the back of my work gloves. It was over 100°F that day, and my forehead was dripping with sweat. Inadvertently, I raise my hand and used the back of the glove to wipe my forehead (the back of the glove was dry by then). That decision turned out to be a frightening and costly mistake. Within fifteen minutes of wiping my forehead, my vision began to blur, and I began to feel ill enough to drive to the emergency room of the local hospital. By the time I entered the parking lot of the ER, my vision was very blurred, and I could barely see the door or the patient entrance. After twenty minutes of being in the ER, I was “legally blind.” In other words, I could only see the outline of the ER personnel. A very long story shortened: The ER doctor said I experience permanent cornea damage to both eyes, and I needed immediate emergent treatment to save my vision. For treatment, the ER attached a tiny suction cup with long tubes to each eye. Then, both eyes were flushed with a solution (saline and hydrogen peroxide, I think) for over two hours. Four hours later, when I left the ER, my vision was still blurred enough that I could not drive, and I was told to contact my ophthalmologist immediately. That evening, I received a phone call from the Banner Poison Control Center (the ER reported my incident to the center). Poison control said, although my encounter with the Pencil/Fire Stick plant was more severe than most, nevertheless, humans poisoned by this plant is not uncommon, and they field many calls each year from both adults and children. It was so serious, poison control called back on day two just to make sure I was okay. The next day, I had an “emergency visit” with an eye surgeon. He said both corneas received permanent “chemical scratching,” which would leave permanent scars, but my vision would likely return to a “new normal” in about 10 days. Before the accident, I wore “readers” with a magnification of 1.75. Once my eyes recovered, I had to switch to 2.25 magnification readers from that point forward. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT Are Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus pretty? Yes. Are Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus easy to maintain? Yes, IF care is exercised. Can Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus be harmful to adults and children if not properly handled? Yes. Are Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus harmful to pets? I was told DEFINITELY YES by a veterinarian. I intend to keep the Fire Sticks and Pencil Cacti on my property. You need to weigh the risks and make you own decision. I hope this helps!
Same thing happened to me yesterday. I had no cornea damage, but the pain was excruciating! Wife drove me to Emergency Department. They flushed my eyes for an hour (long time to keep your eyes open in running water.) Taking all of these out of the yard...even though they are beautiful.
@@scottstorms7916...... Hey, Scott, I am sorry you were injured by this succulent. As you now know, eye damage is very frightening, and I hope you fully recover with no long-term ill effects. As for myself, I am a diabetic, Eye injuries for diabetics can result in long-term consequences that are not experienced by non-diabetics. Quite frankly, as beautiful as Firesticks can be, the succulent is definitely not for people who have unlying health conditions or those with sensitive skin conditions. Best of luck.
@@judyintheburg.... I wish your mom a speedy recovery with no long-term damage. Notwithstanding the diagnosis of your urgent care visit, I strongly suggust taking your mom to an ophthalmologist (not an optometrist) for a more in-depth eye exmine. Be sure to tell the doctor about the plant's toxic elements. (Many docs I've talked to had no knowledge this plant could be harmful. Good luck and kind regards.
Okay - i love your channel and i love these plants - i have 2 - but i'm in tucson arizona which is zone 9a / 9b? so.. what should i do to guarantee i don't kill this plant?
Ahhhh thank you!!! So these plants are pretty hardy. Protect them from frost damage in the coldest parts of the year, and make sure not to plant them where they are getting hot reflected sunlight. Give ample water when establishing, and well drained soil is also a plus. And definitely be careful when pruning back. The milky sap is toxic. Good luck!
Is there a reason after watering them in a 12' plastic drainage pot ---that 'still be wet' in middle after 4 days passed? May you help? Please? If you were to put a circle in the middle of the palm of your hand ---that's my Firestick succulent in that circle, the remainder surface of your palm is the remainder visible soil, dried up as should after those 4 days. But that middle part is still wet/soggy ---is this normal. I assume foul play or am I wrong?
WOWZZA and I thought I had great psc. I got two cutting from a neighbor about 3 years ago. Mine have the orange tips BUT NOTHING compared to yours. I must say they grow like a weed. My smallest one now is taller than I am so 5 and 1/2 foot BUT only the top branches are orange. I live in PX AZ and they are in the west side of the yard. So my question what do you do to get the entire plant to be so orange? I also noticed as an experiment I cut lower branches off one tree and tried to propagate them for friends. I wrapped the exposed sappy knubs in saran wrap as I did not wan to hurt either the plants or bugs. Now the one does not have any orange at all. What do you suggest? Thanks
Hey Elizabeth! So these tend to get the most vibrant colors when they get full sun. I’ve seen some that have had protection from afternoon sun that have been much more green. Also, sometimes overwatering can cause these to be less vibrant. Hope this helps!
Yes you can typically keep these pretty controlled to a smaller size. Just be careful when you prune… Make sure to wear gloves because the sap is toxic.
WARNINGS - Beautiful Plant Yes- Too Dangerous for many homes. My opinion it should not be allowed near public sidewalks! - -Plant sellers should provide a warning before selling. --Blindness, skin pain, loss of fur on dogs ripped off to skin level, vomiting and unconsciousness. !! This happened to two dogs in San Diego (Aug 15, 2017), my guess is the second dog went to help the first by licking it off the fur, both near death before dog-parent came home. -Sadly and fortunate for me I learned this before bringing my puppy home. My plant was beautiful 5 foot tall l had taken over the other beautiful plants in the same planter. After I learned the dangers, Two of us carefully cut it up into pieces, put into plastic bag and threw away.. So glad I did or my puppy would probably have become very sick in her first week at my home and if I were to have been away from home she might have died, certainly the Vet bills would have been horrific. African plant that should be treated with special placement and warnings.
Thank you for the info! I was thinking about planting one of these in my back yard but because I have dogs and other animals around I don't think I will.
@@gabriellewest9294 I think you are being smart. I now have my pup, she was 6 months old and at first she chewed on anything that she could reach in my yard. She is now 12 months old and much easier but still bites any sticks or plant pieces that hit the ground or stick out near her as she plays. Glad I chose the safer path and removed my plant..
Home owner had me remove four huge ones. They were blocking his view of the road and originally he wanted me to trim them back. Turns out they looked like hell after I trimmed them and there wasn't much I could do about it. Slow growing? Hell no. They are fast growing. Only problem, removing them was dangerous. The sap is horrible if you get even a trace amount in your eyes. Mild toxin? I'd say they are distinctly dangerous if you have to remove them. Maybe they have their place but they are dangerous to children.
You can definitely trim it down, it won’t hurt it! Just be suuuuper careful when trimming. The sap is toxic and can be harmful if it gets on your skin. I’d ware sunglasses also.
I have these on my property and i love them, i have been pruning these with out gloves and i have gotten the milky sap on my skin but i have never experienced any rashes, hives or itches or anything like but i do wash my tools and myself very well afterwards, i do have them in my back yard and my dogs dont seem to bother them, but I’ve never had it go into my eyes nose or mouth, so i would still be cautious trimming them . But I love them because they’re green year-round and they propagate very easily I even have them in pots and give them away but I do let them know about the white milky sap to be careful. I live in arizona
Thanks for sharing that info! I think it tends to bother some folks more than others, possibly with skin sensitivities. But there is a toxin to it that we should all be careful about for sure. Thanks for watching!
Yes! There has been lots of folks that have touched the milky fluid inside the plant and touch their eye or rub their skin and it becomes a major problem. Be careful everyone!
@@BudgetPlants Not enough WARNING - if the milky substance gets into the eyes you can go blind. If dogs get into it has been KNOWN to remove their fir where it touched and when the dog licks it off it is extremely toxic and may end in death if not treated by a knowledgeable vet quickly. citations would be two dogs in San Diego 2018 found unconscious after contact.
Should have mentioned the terrible toxicity and potential, serious injury to eyes. Plant near a house or walkway? Never! Would never want to maintain this in my garden.
@@gabriellewest9294 If you are careless with them they can be dangerous. The video doesn't do a good job of letting people know how toxic and caustic the milky sap can be. It will hurt you if you don't pay attention to what you are doing. Pretty bad. 2nd degree burn kind of bad. As long as you are careful, though (wear your safety equipment and long sleeves when working with it!) you will be fine. That said, my 2 are in pots, not planted in the yard where anyone unknowing can get hurt, and that is where I plan on keeping them.
That white, milky substance is much more than "just not fun." It is dangerous. If you happen to get any in your eyes don't worry. It's only about 10 X worse than pepper spray and the pain will only last for at least 10 hours. You could lose your vision as well folks. This could also happen to your poor dog. I wish I was unfamiliar with this plant. I really do. It's weird that wasn't barely touched on in this video. It's bad. I recommend NOT getting this plant but if you do, do NOT prune it yourself. All it takes is a tiny amount in your eye and you are screwed. Google it.
Yes there are toxins in it, so be careful if you plant it. Be cautious of small children and animals that might try to bite or ingest it. Also, when you prune it, use gloves! Cheers!
I have one on the property here in Arizona. It is roughly 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. Love it to death. It was my transplant SUPER success story. I would like more information on propagating. Suggestions anyone?
In Uganda we use the milky substance to treat wart like growings on the skin. You keep putting the fresh milky sap until the small warts falls off.
Wooow that’s amazing!
Thanks for the video! I've seen this around my work & have been contemplating putting one in my yard. Now I definitely want one.
Awesome!! Yeah they’re super cool plants. Just be aware of the toxic content. Definitely wear gloves when you trim it and be careful if there’s children or pets around it 😎
Thanks for watchin!
also "just not fun" is the understatement of the century haha
A SAFETY HEADS-UP . . .
THE FIRE STICK VS PENCIL CACTUS
Although the local growers refer to these plants as “cacti,” they are not. Instead, both the Red and the Green varieties are succulents. The primary difference between the two succulents is a seasonal color change for the Fire Stick, and the Pencil Cactus remains green all year.
Here in North Phoenix, at 1,900 ft. elevation, the Fire Sticks changes from mostly green to beautiful bright red in early December, and the red color continues into late January and sometimes early February. As mentioned, the Pencil Cactus remains a medium to dark green 12 months out of the year.
I use the green Pencil Cacti in the backyard to soften the masonry perimeter walls. I like the fact the Pencil Cacti do not change colors seasonally, so the backyard landscaping always has a consistent appearance.
FRONT AND BACK YARDS
I use the Fire Sticks in the front yard for curb appeal and to add a splash of seasonal color. I live in an area that is heavily populated with seasonal “Snowbirds.” Most of the Snowbirds come from cold regions of the US and Canada, and they seem to be enamored by these plants during its “red” season. In fact, my security cameras often capture Snowbirds snapping pictures of the Fire Sticks.
During the “green months,” the Fire Sticks are not as green as its cousin the Pencil Cactus. During the transition from bright red to medium/light green, the Fire Sticks often have a yellowish appearance, which makes the plant look like it has an irrigation issue or is unhealthy. So, I am glad when the plants regains it solid green color.
A SAFETY HEADS-UP . . .
If I’m working in the front yard during the winter and spring, I am often asked by walkers, “What is the name of those beautiful red plants.” I reply, “They are call Fire Sticks, but if you are considering placing them in your yard, I have the following safety information to share.”
ME vs. FIRE STICK . . .
One summer, I was trimming the Fire Sticks, and I got some of the plant’s “Milk” on the back of my work gloves. It was over 100°F that day, and my forehead was dripping with sweat. Inadvertently, I raise my hand and used the back of the glove to wipe my forehead (the back of the glove was dry by then). That decision turned out to be a frightening and costly mistake.
Within fifteen minutes of wiping my forehead, my vision began to blur, and I began to feel ill enough to drive to the emergency room of the local hospital. By the time I entered the parking lot of the ER, my vision was very blurred, and I could barely see the door or the patient entrance.
After twenty minutes of being in the ER, I was “legally blind.” In other words, I could only see the outline of the ER personnel. A very long story shortened: The ER doctor said I experience permanent cornea damage to both eyes, and I needed immediate emergent treatment to save my vision.
For treatment, the ER attached a tiny suction cup with long tubes to each eye. Then, both eyes were flushed with a solution (saline and hydrogen peroxide, I think) for over two hours. Four hours later, when I left the ER, my vision was still blurred enough that I could not drive, and I was told to contact my ophthalmologist immediately.
That evening, I received a phone call from the Banner Poison Control Center (the ER reported my incident to the center). Poison control said, although my encounter with the Pencil/Fire Stick plant was more severe than most, nevertheless, humans poisoned by this plant is not uncommon, and they field many calls each year from both adults and children. It was so serious, poison control called back on day two just to make sure I was okay.
The next day, I had an “emergency visit” with an eye surgeon. He said both corneas received permanent “chemical scratching,” which would leave permanent scars, but my vision would likely return to a “new normal” in about 10 days. Before the accident, I wore “readers” with a magnification of 1.75. Once my eyes recovered, I had to switch to 2.25 magnification readers from that point forward.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Are Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus pretty? Yes.
Are Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus easy to maintain? Yes, IF care is exercised.
Can Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus be harmful to adults and children if not properly handled? Yes.
Are Fire Sticks and Pencil Cactus harmful to pets? I was told DEFINITELY YES by a veterinarian.
I intend to keep the Fire Sticks and Pencil Cacti on my property. You need to weigh the risks and make you own decision.
I hope this helps!
Same thing happened to me yesterday. I had no cornea damage, but the pain was excruciating! Wife drove me to Emergency Department. They flushed my eyes for an hour (long time to keep your eyes open in running water.) Taking all of these out of the yard...even though they are beautiful.
@@scottstorms7916......
Hey, Scott, I am sorry you were injured by this succulent. As you now know, eye damage is very frightening, and I hope you fully recover with no long-term ill effects.
As for myself, I am a diabetic,
Eye injuries for diabetics can result in long-term consequences that are not experienced by non-diabetics.
Quite frankly, as beautiful as Firesticks can be, the succulent is definitely not for people who have unlying health conditions or those with sensitive skin conditions.
Best of luck.
thank you my mom is in ugrent care right now b/c she got some in her eye
@@judyintheburg....
I wish your mom a speedy recovery with no long-term damage.
Notwithstanding the diagnosis of your urgent care visit, I strongly suggust taking your mom to an ophthalmologist (not an optometrist) for a more in-depth eye exmine. Be sure to tell the doctor about the plant's toxic elements. (Many docs I've talked to had no knowledge this plant could be harmful.
Good luck and kind regards.
So many information 👍👍👍🤝🤝
I still love pencil cactus some time i will buy one again.
Bom dia! Essa eufhorbia é maravilhosa! Ótimo vídeo
Okay - i love your channel and i love these plants - i have 2 - but i'm in tucson arizona which is zone 9a / 9b? so.. what should i do to guarantee i don't kill this plant?
Ahhhh thank you!!! So these plants are pretty hardy. Protect them from frost damage in the coldest parts of the year, and make sure not to plant them where they are getting hot reflected sunlight. Give ample water when establishing, and well drained soil is also a plus. And definitely be careful when pruning back. The milky sap is toxic. Good luck!
@@BudgetPlants also have you done a video on powis castle?
No, haven’t tackled that one yet :]
I have one but freeze and never grow back again here in Houston tx. But i have to choose native cactus from Texas pencil cholla
Ahh yes, they work here in CA year round because of the mild climate. Maybe try one in a pot that you can take inside during a freeze?
Thanks for the info. Great looking plant.
Cool!..thanks for watchin!!
is there a variety that is not red? i think ones i had before didnt have red tips.
Is there a reason after watering them in a 12' plastic drainage pot ---that 'still be wet' in middle after 4 days passed? May you help? Please? If you were to put a circle in the middle of the palm of your hand ---that's my Firestick succulent in that circle, the remainder surface of your palm is the remainder visible soil, dried up as should after those 4 days. But that middle part is still wet/soggy ---is this normal. I assume foul play or am I wrong?
WOWZZA and I thought I had great psc. I got two cutting from a neighbor about 3 years ago.
Mine have the orange tips BUT NOTHING compared to yours. I must say they grow like a weed. My smallest one now is taller than I am so 5 and 1/2 foot BUT only the top branches are orange. I live in PX AZ and they are in the west side of the yard. So my question what do you do to get the entire plant to be so orange? I also noticed as an experiment I cut lower branches off one tree and tried to propagate them for friends. I wrapped the exposed sappy knubs in saran wrap as I did not wan to hurt either the plants or bugs. Now the one does not have any orange at all. What do you suggest? Thanks
Hey Elizabeth! So these tend to get the most vibrant colors when they get full sun. I’ve seen some that have had protection from afternoon sun that have been much more green. Also, sometimes overwatering can cause these to be less vibrant. Hope this helps!
Very informative video, stay connected friend
Love it. SE SC, can I try zone 8B?
Great info.
Looking to put one of these in a rather small space. Can it be pruned to control the height and the width?
Yes you can typically keep these pretty controlled to a smaller size. Just be careful when you prune… Make sure to wear gloves because the sap is toxic.
WARNINGS - Beautiful Plant Yes- Too Dangerous for many homes. My opinion it should not be allowed near public sidewalks! - -Plant sellers should provide a warning before selling.
--Blindness, skin pain, loss of fur on dogs ripped off to skin level, vomiting and unconsciousness. !! This happened to two dogs in San Diego (Aug 15, 2017), my guess is the second dog went to help the first by licking it off the fur, both near death before dog-parent came home.
-Sadly and fortunate for me I learned this before bringing my puppy home. My plant was beautiful 5 foot tall l had taken over the other beautiful plants in the same planter. After I learned the dangers, Two of us carefully cut it up into pieces, put into plastic bag and threw away.. So glad I did or my puppy would probably have become very sick in her first week at my home and if I were to have been away from home she might have died, certainly the Vet bills would have been horrific. African plant that should be treated with special placement and warnings.
Thank you for the info! I was thinking about planting one of these in my back yard but because I have dogs and other animals around I don't think I will.
@@gabriellewest9294 I think you are being smart. I now have my pup, she was 6 months old and at first she chewed on anything that she could reach in my yard. She is now 12 months old and much easier but still bites any sticks or plant pieces that hit the ground or stick out near her as she plays. Glad I chose the safer path and removed my plant..
totally agree my mom got some in her eye she had to go to urgent care
Home owner had me remove four huge ones. They were blocking his view of the road and originally he wanted me to trim them back. Turns out they looked like hell after I trimmed them and there wasn't much I could do about it. Slow growing? Hell no. They are fast growing. Only problem, removing them was dangerous. The sap is horrible if you get even a trace amount in your eyes. Mild toxin? I'd say they are distinctly dangerous if you have to remove them. Maybe they have their place but they are dangerous to children.
Can I trim mine down to shape it? Will it die if I shave it down?
You can definitely trim it down, it won’t hurt it! Just be suuuuper careful when trimming. The sap is toxic and can be harmful if it gets on your skin. I’d ware sunglasses also.
I have these on my property and i love them, i have been pruning these with out gloves and i have gotten the milky sap on my skin but i have never experienced any rashes, hives or itches or anything like but i do wash my tools and myself very well afterwards, i do have them in my back yard and my dogs dont seem to bother them, but I’ve never had it go into my eyes nose or mouth, so i would still be cautious trimming them . But I love them because they’re green year-round and they propagate very easily I even have them in pots and give them away but I do let them know about the white milky sap to be careful. I live in arizona
Thanks for sharing that info! I think it tends to bother some folks more than others, possibly with skin sensitivities. But there is a toxin to it that we should all be careful about for sure. Thanks for watching!
Yea just trying to get info; had residue on my hands and rubbed my eye. It feels like a jalapeño rubbed on my eye 😭
Just helped my sister move.. 3 hours later my face and skin is burning and I'm wondering what is going on... makes sense
Yes! There has been lots of folks that have touched the milky fluid inside the plant and touch their eye or rub their skin and it becomes a major problem. Be careful everyone!
@@BudgetPlants Not enough WARNING - if the milky substance gets into the eyes you can go blind. If dogs get into it has been KNOWN to remove their fir where it touched and when the dog licks it off it is extremely toxic and may end in death if not treated by a knowledgeable vet quickly. citations would be two dogs in San Diego 2018 found unconscious after contact.
You forgot to say wear safety goggles
Also, sap irritates eyes severely.
Should have mentioned the terrible toxicity and potential, serious injury to eyes. Plant near a house or walkway? Never! Would never want to maintain this in my garden.
Cures cancer ... research .
Do not plant this! It is a severe liability at minimum, if not a personal regret...
What's the reason?
@@gabriellewest9294 you can get blind. I softly touched it while moving a rock in front of it and it burned my hand second degree.
@@gabriellewest9294 If you are careless with them they can be dangerous. The video doesn't do a good job of letting people know how toxic and caustic the milky sap can be. It will hurt you if you don't pay attention to what you are doing. Pretty bad. 2nd degree burn kind of bad. As long as you are careful, though (wear your safety equipment and long sleeves when working with it!) you will be fine.
That said, my 2 are in pots, not planted in the yard where anyone unknowing can get hurt, and that is where I plan on keeping them.
@@TheFunkyi wow... I see it everywhere. After a few warnings on this page I decided not to go with it. Glad I made that choice.
That white, milky substance is much more than "just not fun." It is dangerous. If you happen to get any in your eyes don't worry. It's only about 10 X worse than pepper spray and the pain will only last for at least 10 hours. You could lose your vision as well folks. This could also happen to your poor dog. I wish I was unfamiliar with this plant. I really do. It's weird that wasn't barely touched on in this video. It's bad. I recommend NOT getting this plant but if you do, do NOT prune it yourself. All it takes is a tiny amount in your eye and you are screwed. Google it.
Pencil cactus’s poisonous❗️
Yes there are toxins in it, so be careful if you plant it. Be cautious of small children and animals that might try to bite or ingest it. Also, when you prune it, use gloves!
Cheers!
Mild toxicity my ass
I have one on the property here in Arizona. It is roughly 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. Love it to death. It was my transplant SUPER success story. I would like more information on propagating. Suggestions anyone?