---
title: "How to water a Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)"
description: "Learn the best way to water your Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) to prevent rot. Discover clear instructions for top watering, bottom watering, and using a water bath."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/pencilcactus"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:33.295Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:04:23.138Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/OpMG13xXQZGBeigSy_zsSQ.webp?size=large"
---

# How to water a Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)

## How to water

All of the soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil still is moist you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot.

**If the soil is moist - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/OpMG13xXQZGBeigSy_zsSQ.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Try to avoid getting water on the stems and leaves
3. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
4. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
5. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> The Pencil Cactus is very sensitive to too much water so make sure your pot has drainage holes and that it's planted in fast draining soil.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/3GdWjGUJRB2TIBEfiTCHVg.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

## Häufig gestellte Fragen

### How often should I water my Pencil Cactus?

You should only water your Pencil Cactus once all of the soil has completely dried out. Watering when the soil is still moist can lead to rot.

### How do I bottom water a Pencil Cactus?

To bottom water, fill a plant tray with water and ensure the soil makes contact. Let the plant soak for about 10 minutes, then check if the soil is moist throughout before removing any excess water.

### What is a water bath for a Pencil Cactus?

A water bath involves lowering the entire pot into a bucket of lukewarm water, up to where the stem begins, until the bubbling stops. This allows the soil to absorb water from the bottom up.

### Why is it important to have drainage holes for a Pencil Cactus?

Pencil Cacti are very sensitive to too much water, making drainage holes crucial. They prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot, which could cause overwatering and rot.

### Should I always bottom water my Pencil Cactus?

Bottom watering is effective but does not flush out salts and minerals from the soil. It's important to also top water your Pencil Cactus occasionally to prevent mineral buildup.

## How to water a Pencil Cactus

1. Check that all of the soil is dry before watering your Pencil Cactus again.
2. Pour water over the soil, trying to avoid getting water on the stems and leaves.
3. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.
4. If you have a tray under the pot, make sure to remove all collected water afterwards.
5. If you watered under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out from the bottom before returning the plant to its spot.

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