The plant you are describing is the Euphorbia acrurensis, a visually spectacular succulent often called the Desert Candle or Candelabra Tree. It is important to note that the product description incorrectly identifies it as the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)—which is a different plant known for its red bracts. Your Euphorbia acrurensis, standing at 50cm tall in its 17cm pot, is a handsome, architectural plant that brings a strong, desert charm to your interior.

🌿 Foliage, Form, and Appearance

The Euphorbia acrurensis is an evergreen succulent, defined by its tall, upright stems resembling a candelabra. This form makes it a true showstopper, adding significant vertical interest to indoor spaces. The stems are typically thick, ribbed, and a vibrant green colour. The plant is admired for its striking structure and its low maintenance nature, making it perfect for busy individuals.

• Foliage: True leaves are tiny and drop off quickly; the green stems perform photosynthesis.

• Spines: This plant does have spines (small, stiff thorns) along the ridges of its stems, adding to its desert-like appearance.

📏 Size and Growth

Your plant is currently 50cm tall, though it typically reaches a height of around 70cm and can grow much taller indoors, potentially reaching 1.5 to 2.5 metres, making it an excellent statement plant.

🌸 Flowering and Fragrance

The Euphorbia acrurensis is grown exclusively for its dramatic structure. It rarely flowers indoors. When it does, it produces small, yellowish-green blooms called cyathia. These tiny flowers are not the plant's main attraction and are generally not notably fragrant.

💧 Care and Environment

Despite its exotic look, the care for the Desert Candle is quite straightforward, reflecting its succulent nature.

• Placement: The description is slightly conflicting, reflecting the confusion with Poinsettia. The E. acrurensis generally thrives best in a bright location with lots of light, including some direct sun. Placing it in a spot that receives partial shade (indirect sunlight or filtered light) is safe, but it will grow best and stay sturdy with more light.

• Watering: Like all succulents, it needs little water. Water it once per week is often suggested, but the crucial rule is to ensure the soil is well-drained and allowed to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

• Fertilization: It is recommended to provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), but avoid over-fertilizing as it can harm the plant.

Note: The sap of Euphorbia acrurensis is toxic (milky latex) and can cause skin irritation. It is important to handle it with care and keep it away from children and pets. This beauty is strictly for decoration purposes only and is not edible.