Being capable to describe a plant correctly is of the essence in horticulture . With this cognition , you could give your plants the environment they demand to boom . The mistletoe cactus and pencil cactus reckon incredibly similar . So , how do you tell them apart ? We ’ve done the research and can tell you how these plants differ .
The mistletoe cactus ( Rhipsalis baccifera ) is a cactus that can grow up to 30 foot farsighted in idealistic condition . It has hanging tendrils , which lay down them suitable for hanging pots .
You should put mistletoe cactus where it have bright but indirect sunlight . These plant also are n’t drought tolerant .
The pencil cactus ( Euphorbia tirucalli ) is a cactus - corresponding , single , or multi - stemmed shrub or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that typically reaches heights of 30 feet outdoors and 6 base indoors . The sap is toxic and corrosive .
Pencil cacti fly high in full sun and can abide flow of drought . These plants can be grown indoors or out but are illiberal to frost .
As you’re able to see , knowing the difference between these two plant is critical for keeping you and your family dependable . Keep reading to larn more about these flora , their difference , and more !
Differences Between Mistletoe and Pencil Cacti
While they look similar , Old World mistletoe cactus and pencil cactus are in reality very different . One significant preeminence is that the pencil cactus is not a truthful cactus . It is in reality a part of theEuphorbiaceaefamily . Plants in this family are known as succulents . However , they are not cacti and only appear like them .
In comparison , themistletoe cactusis a part of the category Cactaceae , which are considered true cacti . These plants areuniquewhen compared to others in the same kin .
Mistletoe cacti are epiphytic , which means that they grow on other plants . While mistletoe cacti do realize musical accompaniment from the plant , they are n’t consideredparasiticand should n’t make harm to the host flora .
Size
Thepencil cactuscan be grown as an indoor or outdoor plant . When grown outdoors , these plant can reach up to 30 feet tall and fan out up to 10 foot .
If grown as a houseplant , the pencil cactus will have a matured height of six feet tall and a three - foundation breadth . Under the right weather , this plant can farm up to 20 inch in one year .
In compare , themistletoe cactuscan have tendrils that are six feet farseeing and spread two feet encompassing . In their natural habitats , these plant can grow as longsighted as 30 foot with a 5 - foot spread .
Keep in mind that mistletoe cacti are very slow growers . So , it can take several geezerhood to have a long , trailing plant . They will grow slimly faster if develop in ideal conditions .
Toxicity
Pencil cacti are hydrocarbon plants . They produce whitish - white saphead or latex paint that can be used as fuel . However , this substance is irritating to the skin . Any contact can make dangerous temper , redness , and burning .
There are also health problem if you ingest the pencil cactus . There can beburningon the lip , mouth , clapper , andmucous membrane .
Pencil cacti make the same problems in fauna . It can causevomitingin firedog , cats , and sawbuck . Contact your local veterinarian if you mistrust your dearie has absorb some of this plant .
In compare , mistletoe cactus isnon - toxicto ducky and humans . The pocket-size white or xanthous fruits have a light , sweet taste . In the state of nature , birds will feed on the berries and distribute the seeds . If grown as a houseplant , you’re able to also sense detached to eat the fruit .
Growing Conditions
Pencil cacti are hardy for USDA Zones9 through 12 . If planting out of doors , you should purport to give this plant at least six hours of sunlight . However , protect the flora from the afternoon sun may be good .
These plants will do best when the daytime temperatures are around 75 degree Fahrenheit and eve temperature continue over 50 degrees Fahrenheit .
They favor areas with low humidness and ironic , sandy , well - debilitate soil . You should wait to irrigate your plant until the top few inches of soil have dried out . you’re able to increase or decrease your lachrymation reckon on the prison term of year .
If you live in a colder geographical zone , you should keep your pencil cactus as an indoor plant . In these cases , you should keep them close to your brightest window and away from any cold drafts .
When grow in container , you should apply well - draining loamy stain . you’re able to commingle in game cloth , like guts , to help with drainage .
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Mistletoe Cactus Growing Conditions
The Old World mistletoe cactus is hardy for USDA zones9 through 11 . It is unremarkably found produce on trees , so it ’s more used to indirect sunlight throughout the day . When pick out a locating , be aware that an indoor placement can receive both direct and collateral sunlight throughout the day .
Mistletoe cacti also favor consistently moist , slimly acidic soil . However , it does n’t like H2O - log soil .
Be sure to allow the first two inch of soil to dry before lacrimation . If you set forth point out wilting or mushy stems , you ’ve been over - watering .
You also postulate to use half-hearted water . If you expend cold water for this plant , it can ironize the roots and do scrawny growth .
These plants do well when the temperatures average out between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit , which is within the kitchen stove of most normal menage .
However , mistletoe cacti prefer mellow humidity . You may have scummy humidness if you notice browning tip on your works . Move the industrial plant aside from any air vent or drafts .
If that ’s not the problem , then you should try direct a beauty filled with water nearby or place a humidifier nearby .
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Pruning
You should trim your pencil cactus in the spring after it starts actively growing .
You need to take extra care when lop the pencil cactus . First , protect your eyes and skin from this plant ’s sap . You should also fend off composting your cuttings .
The first things you should remove are diseased , discredited , or utter branches . Next , pruneto control pattern and sizing . Avoid removing more than a third of the plant life at once . Over - pruning can negatively affect its growth .
Once you ’re done , you should clean the shears you used to do the pruning . They will be sticky , and you also require to head off contaminating another plant .
In comparison , mistletoe cacti want very little pruning . For this plant , you only want to prune when you see broken or diseased stems .
If you ’d like to make your mistletoe cactus smaller , you may also prune it to ensure its condition . However , since this industrial plant grows so slowly , you should n’t have to do that very often .
To avoid spreading disease to your mistletoe cactus , you ’ll need to strip your shears before pruning . you’re able to do this by wipingrubbing alcoholon them . Just be certain to pick the blade before starting the plant .
Check out " Where Do You prune When Pruning A industrial plant ? [ And At What Angle ? ] " for more pruning tips .
Fertilizer
Since pencil cacti do so well in nutritive - light , flaxen soil , you wo n’t have to fertilize this works often . If you decide to fertilise , only do it once a yr during the springtime .
Applying too much plant food often can in reality root burn , kill your works .
Mistletoe cactus , on the other manus , will do well with light eating throughout the growing season . Dilute fluent fertilizer and apply it once a month from saltation until summertime . You do n’t have to lend oneself fertilizer in the nightfall and winter .
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Pest and Disease Problems
Both of these plant are considered easy to care for . However , pencil cacti incline to have a bigger trouble with pests . These plants are mildly susceptible to spider mites , aphids , and mealybugs .
Mistletoe cacti may face up several disease problems if it ’s not being water properly . Root bunkum is a very coarse issue . Yellowing leaves or missing leaves near the base is a house that there is too much wet on the foliage .
Your plant can also get sun sear if placed in an area with high amounts of bright , direct sunlight .
In Conclusion
Despite their exchangeable visual aspect , Old World mistletoe cacti and pencil cacti are very unlike . Knowing their differences can help you take bully upkeep of your plant and avoid accidental injuries from toxic sap .
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