The Essential Guide to Properly Watering Your Pencil Cactus

Watering your potted pencil cactus is relatively simple, but there are certain rules to follow. Growing pencil cacti requires less water than other cacti, but you have to make sure it doesn’t dry out completely between waterings. Here are the 6 golden rules for watering your pencil cactus.

The pencil cactus, Euphorbia tirucalli, is a succulent native to parts of Africa. It gets its name from its long, thin stems that resemble pencils. The pencil cactus is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it an excellent option for beginner gardeners.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to caring for your pencil cactus is proper watering. Pencil cacti are native to arid regions and thus have adapted to survive prolonged periods without water.

You need to water your pencil cactus deeply, but infrequently. When you water your plant, make sure to give it a good soaking so that the water reaches the roots. Let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. Avoid getting water on the leaves and use room-temperature water. Remember to water your plant less frequently in winter. The plant enters a period of dormancy in winter and won’t need as much water as other times of the year.

This blog post highlights some golden rules for watering a pencil cactus. Read on so you don’t make any mistakes that might endanger your plant.

Pencil Cactus: General Water Requirements

One of the ways of caring for pencil cactus is to stick to its ideal watering requirement. Before we dive into the specifics of watering a pencil cactus, it’s essential to understand the plant’s general water requirements.

Pencil cacti are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves and stems. This allows them to survive prolonged periods of drought.

However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need water at all. In fact, all plants need water to survive. Water is essential for plant growth and helps transport nutrients throughout the plant.

A woman spraying water at the cactus.
When you water your plant, ensure the water can easily drain out to avoid waterlogging the soil.

When it comes to watering a pencil cactus, the key is to strike a balance. Overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering. So, how do you know when to water your plant and how much water it needs?

Typically, you should consider watering your pencil cactus deeply, but infrequently. Let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions and reduce watering during winter since the plant will enter a period of dormancy and won’t need as much water.

The most important thing you need to do is avoid overwatering since the succulent is highly susceptible to root rot. When you water your plant, ensure the water can easily drain out to avoid waterlogging the soil.

Common signs of root rot in a pencil cactus include yellow leaves/stem, mushy stems, and a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to act immediately and address the problem.

The best course of action is to replant the cactus in fresh, dry soil. If the root rot is severe, you may need to trim away any affected parts of the plant.

Watering Your Pencil Cactus: The Golden Rules

Cactus plants can survive in the desert conditions characterized by prolonged drought and harsh weather. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need to take caution when watering your pencil cactus. Here are the golden rules for watering this succulent:

Golden Rule #1: Water Deeply, But Infrequently

As we’ve mentioned, one of the most important things to remember when watering a pencil cactus is to strike a balance. You don’t want to underwater or overwater your plant.

A good rule of thumb is to water deeply, but infrequently. When you water your cactus, make sure to give it a good soaking, so it reaches the roots. Avoid getting water on the leaves and use room-temperature water.

Golden Rule #2: Let the Soil Dry Out Completely Between Watering Sessions

It’s essential to let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. This will help avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.

If you’re unsure whether the soil is dry, stick your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water your plant.

A person checking the if the soil is dry.
It’s essential to let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions.

Alternatively, you can purchase a moisture meter to take the guesswork out of watering. The moisture meter is designed to measure the water content in the soil.

It has three probes that you insert into the soil. The meter will then give you a reading of how moist the soil is. This is a helpful tool, especially if you’re new to watering plants.

Golden Rule #3: Water Less Frequently in Winter

During winter, your pencil cactus will enter a period of dormancy and won’t need as much water. This is because the plant isn’t actively growing during this time.

Generally, you should water your plant about once every two to three weeks during winter. However, you may need to water it less frequently if the weather is cool and dry.

In some cases, the pencil cactus can go for entire winter months without being watered. Just make sure the soil is completely dry before watering your plant again.

Golden Rule #4: Avoid Overwatering

One of the most important things to remember when watering a pencil cactus is to avoid overwatering. This succulent is highly susceptible to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure the soil can drain well.

Waterlogged soil is one of the leading causes of root rot in plants. When roots are constantly wet, they start to break down and rot. This can lead to a host of problems for your plant, including yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul odor.

Water droplets at the cactus.
One of the most important things to remember when watering a pencil cactus is to avoid overwatering.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to act immediately and address the problem. The best course of action is to replant the cactus in fresh, dry soil. If the root rot is severe, you may need to trim away any affected parts of the plant.

Golden Rule #4: Water Early in the Morning

It is also critical to water your pencil cactus at the right time of the day. The best time to water your plant is early morning, before the day’s heat sets in. Aim for the hours between 6:00 am and 10:00 am.

If you water your plant during the heat of the day, the water will evaporate before reaching the roots. This can stress your plant and lead to problems down the road.

Watering your plant in the morning will also allow it to absorb the water before the sun goes down. This is important because the plant will need to store water to get through the night.

If you cannot water it early in the morning, the next best time to water your plant is in the evening, after the sun has gone down. Avoid watering it too late at night, so the plant has time to dry out before morning.

Golden Rule #5: Use the Right Watering Method

How you water your plant is just as important as how often you water it. When watering a pencil cactus, it’s best to use the soak-and-dry method.

To use this method, water your plant until the soil is saturated. Let the water drain out of the pot and into the saucer beneath it.

Once the water has drained, remove the saucer from beneath the pot. This will allow the soil to dry out completely before you water your plant again.

The soak-and-dry method is the best way to water a pencil cactus because it allows the roots to get the oxygen they need. It also helps avoid root rot, which can be a problem with this plant.

If you’re using a different watering method, such as bottom watering, let the water drain out completely before putting the pot back in its saucer. This will help avoid root rot and keep your plant healthy.

Golden Rule #6: Use Room-Temperature Water

Last but not least, it’s essential to use room-temperature water when watering your plant. Cold water can shock the roots and lead to problems down the road.

Avoid using warm water since it can also cause the plant to wilt. Room-temperature water is the best way to go.

A watercan beside the cactus on the pots,
Cold water can shock the roots and lead to problems down the road.

If you’re not sure whether the water is too cold or too warm, it’s best to err on the side of caution and let it sit out for a bit before watering. This will help ensure that the water is just right for your plant.

Golden Rule #6: Use Rainwater or Distilled Water

If you can, try to use rainwater or distilled water when watering your pencil cactus plant. These types of water are free of chemicals and other impurities that can harm your plant.

If you don’t have access to rainwater or distilled water, use tap water but let it sit out for 24 hours before using it. This will allow the chemicals to dissipate and make the water safer for your plant.

A water container with water.,
Try to use rainwater or distilled water when watering your pencil cactus plant.

Tap water contains a wide range of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in the soil and lead to problems for your pencil cactus. The best way to avoid these issues is using rainwater or distilled water to keep your plant hydrated.

Final Thoughts

Following these simple tips can keep your pencil cactus healthy and happy for many years. Remember, when it comes to watering this succulent, less is more!

Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering intervals, and never let your plant sit in water for too long. With just a little bit of care, your pencil cactus will thrive and reward you!

Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

read this next

Mother of Thousands grows without the need for watering or fertilizing, which means that if left to its own devices, it can create hundreds of small offshoots called “pups”. This plant is also sometimes called “The Walking Plant” because the pups will often fall off and start new plants, continuing to spread indefinitely around your garden.
Aloe Vera plant
Aloe Vera plants are grown worldwide because of their usefulness. They are easy to grow outdoors but some varieties will need attention and protection from the colder months. The article looks at the 10 best Aloe Vera types to grow outside
If your Succulent is turning brown or losing its leaves, it’s probably time to give it a little less water. Follow our 5 Sign Method and use your own eyes to determine if your succulent needs more or less time spent in the water
Cacti plants come in different colors, structures, and sizes. These plants are unique and good houseplants since they require little maintenance to survive. They are hard, resilient, and live for many years
Aloe vera is one of the best plants you can grow to help maintain your health and wellness. It is easy to care for, propagates quickly, and will thrive in a variety of conditions. As a succulent enthusiast, it is important that you learn how to care for aloe vera properly so that you can use its health benefits whenever needed.
The Cactus is a unique plant that can grow up to a foot per year. It only needs water once every two weeks, as well as very little fertilizer to flower healthy. The Peanut Cactus has a hardy constitution, and will not wither from heavy winds or scorching heat. Here are some tips to help aid you along the way to growing a healthy peanut cactus plant.
Knowing how to water succulents from the bottom is an important part of growing them correctly.  There are many reasons why you’d want to change your watering schedule, so knowing how to water succulents from the bottom is an important skill.  Many times it will be the only way you can water without disrupting their roots and destroying them.
A round sand terrarium.
Desert terrariums are some of the most popular and well-known terrariums today. This is a great project to do with your children, and you can get them involved in the set up by letting them add the figures, sea glass, or rocks that they collect on occasion.
Agave are a succulent plant indigenous to Mexico, and they’re gaining popularity with chefs and home cooks alike, who are discovering that the blue and silver varieties – tequila comes from a blue agave, while mescal generally comes from a white variety – add an unexpected nuance of caramel sweetness to various dishes.
Cacti are amazing plants that can grow anywhere in the world. You can grow these plants in your backyard or in pots and position inside the house. With their unique features, you can be sure of getting something incredible that will make your house feel like a home
If you would like to decorate your home with something unusual, outstanding and exotic – growing desert plants might be a good option. In fact, some cacti are even beautifully fragrant and benefit from regular pruning
Caudex plants are excellent for people looking to add variety to their indoor gardens. These plants have a long history, dating all the way back to the 1800s. Most people don’t realize that many of the plants their grandparents grew in their yard were actually caudex plants. T
No matter if you’re trying to care for your indoor or outdoor cactus during the winter, it’s vital that you take the proper actions to strengthen and protect your cactus—not only when winter strikes but in the months leading up to it, as well
Nepenthes are perhaps the most unusual, fantastic and misunderstood of all carnivorous plants. They comprise the largest plant family in the world, with over 800 species from all continents except Antarctica.

Receive the latest news

Get Our Cacti Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest facts, tips, advice, and more!

Your privacy is important to us.