The plant you are interested in is the Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', the colourful cultivar of the African Milk Tree. This stunning succulent, known for its sculptural form and sharp, vertical lines, makes a unique addition to any indoor space. Your plant, standing at an impressive 40cm tall in its 12cm pot, is a perfect, striking miniature of this popular architectural plant.

🌿 Foliage, Form, and Appearance

The African Milk Tree is an evergreen succulent, defined by its rigid, three-sided vertical stems and unique branch structure, which resembles a cactus (though it is not a true cactus). The 'Rubra' variety is particularly sought after because its stems and tips boast vibrant hues of deep red when exposed to sufficient sunlight, contrasting beautifully with the small green leaves that grow along the ridges. This structural beauty adds a bold, architectural element and a touch of exotic flair, ideal for enhancing modern decor.

• Leaves/Spines: The plant has small, temporary leaves. It does have small, stiff thorns along the edges of the stems.

• Benefits: Renowned for its resilience and low maintenance requirements, this plant is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced enthusiasts.

📏 Size and Growth

Boasting an impressive height of about 40cm, your plant makes an immediate visual impact. While this species can grow quite tall, this size is manageable for sunny shelves, desks, or windowsills, perfect for any home or office. It is generally slow-growing, allowing you to easily maintain its current form.

🌸 Flowering and Fragrance

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

💧 Care and Environment

This plant thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates, and its care is generally straightforward.

• Placement: The African Milk Tree thrives best when placed in a sunny spot. It loves sunlight and will achieve its most vibrant red colours in a location that receives ample direct or bright, indirect light. It is ideal for sunny spots in your home or garden (during warm weather). It can survive in indirect light, but its colour will be less intense.

• Watering: It requires minimal water. You should water it once every 8–10 days during the growing season, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. To prevent root rot, plant your Euphorbia in well-draining soil, ideally a mix designed for cacti and succulents.

• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced, diluted fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.

Note: The Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', like all members of the Euphorbia family, contains a milky sap called latex which is toxic and can cause skin irritation. It is important to handle it with care and keep it strictly for decorative purposes, ensuring it is out of reach of children and pets.