Firestick
Euphorbia tirucalli
A pencil-branched succulent that transforms from green to blazing orange-red in winter, but beware its highly toxic sap.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert succulent that colors best in cool, dry winters.
AMWUA Notes
Highly toxic milky sap — handle with care. Frost sensitive.
Care Guide
Water monthly in the warm season and sparingly in winter; very drought tolerant and rot-prone if overwatered.
Prune to control the 10 ft size, always wearing gloves, long sleeves and eye protection—the copious white sap is highly toxic and caustic.
Not necessary; lean, dry conditions intensify the orange-red winter color.
Trouble-free; the toxic sap deters pests.
Frost-tender below 30°F—protect in freezes; stems flush brilliant orange-red with winter cold and drought stress.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining gritty mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Stem cuttings (callus first; wear protection against the toxic sap)
6 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; site away from traffic due to the caustic, highly toxic sap
Placement Tips
- •Site as a bold color accent away from walkways, seating and children or pets due to the dangerous sap.
- •Not suited to poolside handling despite tolerating the setting.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil in full sun for the best color.
- •Give it room for the 6 ft spread.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Firestick? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Firestick. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Firestick — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Firestick need in Phoenix?
Firestick is a low-water succulent once established. Water monthly in the warm season and sparingly in winter; very drought tolerant and rot-prone if overwatered. Highly toxic milky sap — handle with care. Frost sensitive.
How big does Firestick get?
Expect roughly 10 ft tall and 6 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 6 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; site away from traffic due to the caustic, highly toxic sap.
Can you plant Firestick near a pool?
Yes. Firestick is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Firestick handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Firestick is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert succulent that colors best in cool, dry winters. Frost-tender below 30°F—protect in freezes; stems flush brilliant orange-red with winter cold and drought stress.
Does Firestick have thorns?
No. Firestick is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Firestick safe around pets?
Firestick is not listed as pet-friendly, so keep it out of areas where pets graze or chew, and check with your vet if you are unsure.
When does Firestick bloom in Arizona?
Firestick blooms in summer, with yellow flowers.
How much maintenance does Firestick need?
Firestick is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Prune to control the 10 ft size, always wearing gloves, long sleeves and eye protection—the copious white sap is highly toxic and caustic.
What kind of soil does Firestick need?
Fast-draining gritty mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Not necessary; lean, dry conditions intensify the orange-red winter color.
Is Firestick native to Arizona?
No. Firestick is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Africa, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.