Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra', the burgundy false candle cactus

Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra live in desert regions. They tolerate drought, but dread excess water. The substrate must remain completely dry for a few days between waterings.

When watering, use water at room temperature to avoid stressing the plant.

Roots run deep. You therefore need to moisten the entire root ball. Pour in water until the excess runs out through the drainage hole. Stop watering and empty any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.

In spring, transfer your Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Take advantage of repotting to offer your plant a pot in which its roots will flourish and moisture will not settle.

Choose a terracotta pot with holes. Pour a bed of gravel or, better still, pieces of pozzolan into the bottom. Then add a draining potting soil such as a special substrate for cacti and succulents, or a mixture of garden soil and sand. For even more nutrients, top up with leaf compost if available.

After removing your specimen, carefully untangle its roots and install it in its new location. Cover with potting soil and tamp down. Finish with a thin layer of clay balls or pozzolan on the surface to facilitate drainage.

To avoid the risk of stagnant water, avoid saucers and planters. If you use a planter, line the bottom with gravel or clay pebbles.

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Fertilize your Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra' with a fertilizer for cacti and succulents. You can also use a fertilizer for green plants, provided you halve the dose indicated by the manufacturer.

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take thetip of a healthy stem with a clean, sharp knife. Your cutting should be at least fifteen centimetres long.

Run your cutting under water and spray the wound with water to stop the latex leaking out.

Leave your stem to air-dry until a wedge forms. This takes between 48 hours and two weeks.

Obtain a pierced terracotta pot. Fill it with sand or potting soil for cacti and succulents.

Plant your cutting deeply so that it doesn't tilt or fall over. You'll need to bury it at least eight centimetres deep.

Place your new plant in a room with a minimum temperature of 20 degrees. Find a bright spot away from direct sunlight.