Crown Of Thorns Plant Care

Crown Of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Euphorbia genus. Crown Of Thorns is native to Madagascar. Crown Of Thorns is also known as Christ Plant, Thorn Crown, Crown of Thorns cactus.

Crown Of Thorns displays a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Crown Of Thorns produces petal-like bracts that surround small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Crown Of Thorns every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Crown Of Thorns thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Crown Of Thorns in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Euphorbia milii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Crown Of Thorns prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Crown Of Thorns to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Crown Of Thorns every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Crown Of Thorns is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Crown Of Thorns can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Crown Of Thorns while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Crown Of Thorns is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Crown Of Thorns can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to poinsettia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Crown Of Thorns is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Crown Of Thorns grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Crown Of Thorns is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Crown Of Thorns as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.