How to Grow the Pencil Tree? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Care Methods

Surely everyone knows about Singles' Day, but do you know about the pencil tree? The pencil tree is a small tree native to eastern Africa, where the climate is hot and dry. To reduce water evaporation, the leaves of the pencil tree fall off soon after they emerge, while its branches contain a lot of chlorophyll, which can replace the leaves in photosynthesis and provide the nutrients needed for its own growth, making it a rather unusual woody plant. Below, Qinong Web will introduce the cultivation methods for the pencil tree.

I. Growth Habits of the Pencil Tree

Influenced by the climate of its place of origin, the pencil tree has evolved continuously over thousands of years and has now become a plant tolerant of drought, salt, wind and dryness. The pencil tree likes a warm growing environment and sunlight, and can often be placed outdoors, but care should be taken not to expose it to harsh sun in summer when the sunlight is intense. The most suitable growing temperature is between 25°C and 30°C. Below, let us take a closer look at the cultivation methods for the pencil tree.

II. Cultivation Methods for the Pencil Tree

1. Watering

The pencil tree is a succulent plant with strong drought tolerance, so it should not be watered too much; water only after the soil has dried out completely. In the hotter summer, do not give it a heavy watering right after sun exposure, as this can easily cause leaf drop. When the temperature is above 30°C, the whole plant enters a dormant or semi-dormant state, and watering should be controlled at this time.

2. Soil

To plant the pencil tree, choose soil with relatively strong drainage. You can mix leaf mold and garden soil in a 2:1 ratio, add a small amount of river sand to make the growing medium, and place a little long-acting fertilizer such as hoof and horn pieces at the bottom. To enhance drainage, you can also lay a layer of crushed stone and tiles at the bottom of the pot.

3. Light

As already mentioned when introducing its growth habits, the pencil tree is a plant that greatly enjoys sunlight, and it can be placed in a sunny environment all year round, but avoid harsh sun exposure.

The fertilizing period for the pencil tree is mainly during its growing stage. At this time, a diluted liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that has been thoroughly composted can be applied once every 7 to 10 days, and the fertilizer should not be too concentrated. Winter is the dormant period for the pencil tree, so fertilizing should be stopped then, otherwise it can easily cause root rot.

5. Pruning

Pruning of the pencil tree is generally carried out when transplanting or repotting. When transplanting, trim and tidy overlong main roots or injured roots; when repotting, properly thin out and tidy old roots, rotten roots and overly dense roots.

The above is the cultivation method for the pencil tree compiled by Qinong Web for everyone. Combined with its cold and wind tolerance, this tree is very suitable for planting as a windbreak or for afforestation. At the same time, the pencil tree can also be used to produce biodiesel, making it a multipurpose energy plant.