What it is: This listing is a plant sold as Firesticks, a colourful form of pencil cactus or pencil tree (Euphorbia tirucalli). NC State Extension lists 'Flame' as the cultivar commonly known as Fire Sticks.

Light: Give it bright indirect light or direct sun (NC State Extension). Plant it in a well-drained, gritty mix such as our succulent and cacti soil. In our dark northern Alberta winters, a grow bulb in a lamp helps.

Watering & care: Water about every one to two weeks and allow the mix to dry out between waterings (NC State Extension). Overwatering can cause root rot (NC State Extension).

Humidity: Average household humidity is fine; University of Wisconsin Extension notes crown of thorns does well in the dry air of heated northern homes, and the same usually suits other potted euphorbias.

Temperature: Keep it in typical indoor temperatures and off cold windows. These are not frost-hardy houseplants; NC State Extension treats several of these species as outdoor plants only in very warm climates, and African milk tree should be brought in before temperatures drop below about 7 °C (45 °F) (NC State Extension).

Winter indoors: In winter, water less often and keep it off cold glass, in your brightest window or under a grow light.

Expected indoor size: NC State Extension says pencil tree grown indoors ranges from about 0.6–1.8 m (2–6 ft) tall and 0.3–0.9 m (1–3 ft) wide. How large yours gets depends on light, pot size and care.

Feeding: Feed sparingly with our Cactus Fertilizer during the growing season, and ease off in winter. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests a dilute low-nitrogen feed monthly in the growing season for potted Euphorbia obesa; other succulent euphorbias likewise do better with light feeding than with a heavy dose.

Pets & pests: Toxic: The ASPCA lists pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), also sold as Sticks of Fire, as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the irritant latex sap can irritate the mouth and stomach and sometimes cause vomiting. NC State Extension lists it as low-severity poisonous. The milky sap can cause mild to severe skin irritation and can temporarily or permanently damage the cornea if it gets in the eyes. If eaten, it can blister the lips and mouth. Wear gloves when handling or pruning it, and keep it out of reach of pets and children. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness, leaf count and variegation or colouring vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular plant size, branching, markings or flower colour. The size option (4") refers to the pot diameter. It does not guarantee an exact plant size or branching. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Euphorbia as inspiration.