Scientific name: Euphorbia milii splendens

Description: A dense shrub up to 3 feet tall, with 1/2-inch thick dark brown stems armed with sharp spines. Clusters of bright green, elliptic, 2- to 2 1/4-inch leaves are produced near the growing tips of the stems, last for several months, then drop off to leave spiny stems permanently bare. Flowers are borne in clusters of salmon-pink to red bracts.

Light: Bright, constant sunlight

Temperature: Warm room temperature

Methods of propagation: Tip cuttings

Comment: Normally blooms in early spring. Requires good drainage.