Crown of Thorns Plant (Euphorbia Milii) Care Guide

Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! In this video I'm going to show you how to take care of your Crown of Thorns Plant. This plant is a succulent, meaning it doesn't need a lot of water, and it's really easy to care for. So if you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that will still add some color to your home or office, then the Crown of Thorns Plant is perfect for you.
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Crown of Thorns Plant (Euphorbia Milii) Care Guide
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
1:04 - Light and Location
1:34 - Watering
1:55 - Temperature
2:26 - Humidity
2:39 - Fertilization
2:51 - Propagation
3:25 - Potting and Repotting
3:55 - Toxicity and Common Pests
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Summary
The Crown of Thorns Plant is a broad leaf evergreen semi-succulent shrub. It is native to Madagascar and grows in tropical climates worldwide. It’s quite popular as a houseplant and thrives indoors. Historically, the iconic Christ’s crown of thorns is believed to be made using this plant, hence the name “Crown of Thorns Plant.” It is also referred to as “Christ Plant” and “Christ Thorn” for the same reasons. The real flowers are inconspicuous but are surrounded by showy bracts varying in color.
1. Light and Location
Like with most flowering plants, more blooms result from better sun exposure. Crown of Thorns plant prefers direct full sun. The first step in caring for this plant when grown indoors is to place it in an ideal position. Ensure the plant gets three to four hours of direct sunshine each day by placing it in a fairly sunny spot. Therefore, place it in a sunny location, preferably on a windowsill or even on the porch.
2. Watering
The Crown of Thorns plant is succulent and is quite forgiving about water. To keep it healthy and fresh, ensure regular watering, but too much water will cause them to wilt and die. This plant needs fast-draining soils that don’t retain moisture.
3. Temperature
Crown of Thorns prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it does well in indoor environments, try to put it somewhere where the temperature won't ever fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though there is a significant difference, the plant cannot endure extreme cold or heat conditions. This plant needs a warm environment to grow and thrive.
4. Humidity
Humidity-wise, the requirements are not high. They do best in 30 to 60% humidity, easily achievable even in dry regions. Don’t try to mist the leaves or increase moisture levels if not needed.
5. Fertilization
This plant needs fertilization on a monthly basis during its active growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer. Feeding more often will cause the plant to become too leggy and will not produce as many flowers.
6. Propagation
You can propagate Christ Thorn from tip cuttings but let sap dry before placing the cutting in a growing medium. Cut the apex of a healthy stem with a lush crown of bracts. Remove the bottom leaves and insert the stem into moist soil after waiting for the sap to dry. Keep the soil moist and place the container somewhere in a sunny and warm location. The plant will grow roots and new shoots from the cut end of the stem. You can also propagate these plants by seeds, but seeds are rarely seen in indoor plants, making them impractical and tedious.
7. Potting and Repotting
When potting or repotting a Crown of Thorns plant, it’s essential to use soil that drains well. A potting mix high in sharp sand or gravel will work well. Use a cactus mix as a base and add rich organic material. These plants don’t like to be wet, so make sure the soil can dry out quickly after watering. Well-drained potting soils help with that, but drainage holes are a must. Don’t repot unless you need to; these plants want to be slightly rootbound.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
The sap of Christ Plant is moderately toxic and can cause skin and eye irritation if it comes in contact. The sharp spikes on the stem are also a hazard; handle with gloves. Place the plant out of reach of children and pets. Mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, and spider mites are the most common pests of these plants.
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[@lindaandrie99]

Wishing mine would flower . It's growing beautifully but hasn't flowered yet. Hopefully it will. It's doing well inside but might put it outside this summer. I can't see that it could actually be made into a crown. Now I know I'm going to leave it alone for now and not repot until it's really root bound. Thank you for the help.

[@pattivermeersch7348]

Thanks for this…really love this plant

[@brainygardener1650]

So nice of you

[@droogsurgeon1440]

Euphorbia Euphoria 🌵💚

[@dorothyburton8998]

I wish I could share my picture of my crown of thorn plant.

[@succulentsjourney3147]

Perfect! Exactly what I needed. 😊

[@candybutterfield1636]

I have read a lot about this plant being toxic/poisonous. what is the real story on the crown of thorns?

[@DaenysT]

Do you really mean ‘direct’ sun, like actually touching the leaves, or bright indirect light? I have a sheltered southern window that only gets a smidge of direct sunlight early in the morning and I’m wondering if it could go there.

[@kristybui35]

Direct sun means out in the sun. They will bloom abundantly year round.

[@lindaandrie99]

Never put it where a light source would actually touch the plant. Hopefully that helps explain.