The plant you have chosen is the Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', a stunning cultivar of the African Milk Tree, often called the Red African Milk Tree or Cathedral Cactus. Please note that the description incorrectly identifies it as the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), which is a different plant. Your Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', standing at an impressive 70cm tall in its 17cm pot, is a tall, architectural succulent that boasts magnificent vibrant hues of deep red.

🌿 Foliage, Form, and Appearance

This is an evergreen succulent, defined by its slender, spiky, three-sided vertical stems. The 'Rubra' cultivar is particularly sought after because its stems and tips turn a vivid deep red when exposed to sufficient sunlight, providing a gorgeous contrast to the small, lush green leaves that grow along the ridges. This combination of red stems and green leaves makes it a striking beauty and highly sought after by plant enthusiasts. Its unique shape makes it an ideal addition to your home or office, adding a touch of exotic beauty.

• Foliage/Spines: The plant has small leaves that are often temporary. It does have small, stiff thorns along the ridges of the stems.

• Benefits: This plant is known for its low maintenance needs and its ability to purify the air, making it a perfect choice for plant lovers of all levels.

📏 Size and Growth

At 70cm, your 'Rubra' is already a tall and elegant plant. This variety can grow up to approximately 1.5 to 2 metres indoors, providing significant vertical interest without taking up too much horizontal space.

🌸 Flowering and Fragrance

The Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' is grown entirely for its decorative, vibrant stems and vertical shape. It rarely flowers indoors. When it does, it produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green blooms (cyathia) that are not notably fragrant.

💧 Care and Environment

This succulent is a sun-loving plant and its care is generally easy, reflecting its African origins.

• Placement: The plant thrives in full sun (ample sunlight throughout the day) and bright spots. This is especially important for the 'Rubra' cultivar, as strong light is what encourages the vibrant deep red hues on the stems.

• Watering: It requires minimal water. You should water it once every 8–10 days during the active growing season, ensuring the soil is well-drained and allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Sandy and loamy soil is ideal.

• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer (the growing season). Avoid fertilizing during winter months, and be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it may harm the plant.

Note: The Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', like all members of the Euphorbia family, is known for producing a milky sap that can be toxic and cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, and can be toxic if ingested. This plant is strictly for decorative purposes and not edible. Make sure to keep it away from children and pets.