Cleopatra's Needle plant Plant Care

Cleopatra's Needle plant (Neoguillauminia cleopatra) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Neoguillauminia genus. Cleopatra's Needle plant is native to New Caledonia. Cleopatra's Needle plant is also known as Egyptian Papyrus.

Cleopatra's Needle plant displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cleopatra's Needle plant produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cleopatra's Needle plant every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cleopatra's Needle plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Neoguillauminia cleopatra tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Cleopatra's Needle plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cleopatra's Needle plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cleopatra's Needle plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cleopatra's Needle plant is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cleopatra's Needle plant can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cleopatra's Needle plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Cleopatra's Needle plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cleopatra's Needle plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cleopatra's Needle plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cleopatra's Needle plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Cleopatra's Needle plant is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Cleopatra's Needle plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.