The Crown of Thorns is a leafy and thorny perennial shrub blooming year-round. This cactus-like succulent is a very common ornamental indoor plant due to its low maintenance requirements.
About this plant
Although commonly mistaken as a cactus, the Crown of Thorns is actually a Euphorbia. It is an evergreen shrub with numerous branches having green leaves and spines. The Crown of Thorns blooms clustered, inconspicuous flowers throughout the year. The plant is originated in Madagascar and now it is grown elsewhere in gardens and as a houseplant.
Tips for the caring of Crown of Thorns
This is probably the most suitable plant for careless people. This plant won’t mind if you forget to take its care for a long time. The Crown of Thorns needs little water so it is a very good choice for water-deficient areas. This plant is capable of surviving under extreme drought conditions. However, if the plant becomes too stressed to due to over or under watering, humidity or temperature fluctuation, it may quickly drop all of its leaves and stop blooming. However, the good news is that the plant recovers all such problems when little care is taken. Therefore, we will have to ensure minimum maintenance of this succulent to keep it leafy and flowering. Let's see in detail how to take good care of the Crown of Thorns:
Water Requirements
As it’s a succulent, it stores water in its thick spiny stems as well as in the leaves. The reserved water helps it to stay hydrated for a long time. You should water your plant once a week thoroughly. But make sure that the excess water drains perfectly through the potholes. If the root stays wet for a prolonged period then the fungal disease will rot the root. Moreover, over watering will result in leaf loss and blooming stoppage.
Therefore, always let the soil dry out at least one inch deep before watering again. And watering too infrequently will also entail leaf loss and cease of flowering. Extreme dryness compels it to go dormant.
Again, during the winter season or when the temperature drops below 32°C the plant may go to dormant or semi-dormant state. Therefore, water it once in a month during winter. But If you can irrigate in a controlled manner and keep the plant active then there is a chance of even richer blooming during the winter season!
So, Crown of Thorns is not altogether a forgiving succulent. It will not die very easily but often take away your sleep. To keep it active, healthy, and normal you must have to follow a steady watering schedule throughout spring, summer and fall. Remember, whether in an active or dormant state, never irrigate it until the top surface completely dries out.
This plant also takes moisture through its leaves. So misting the leaves on daily basis might help it to remain lively.
Lighting Requirements
The Crown Of Thorns grows and blooms exceptionally well in bright and direct sunlight. At least 3 to 4 hours of bright, direct sunlight per day is required. They can also endure partial shade but the growth and blooming will be unimpressive. When you are keeping it as a houseplant make sure to place it in the west or south-facing window for getting the maximum sunlight.
Potting & Soil
Always use sandy and well-drained soils. Do not use regular garden soil as it will improve leave growth but decrease flowering. Above all, the water will not discharge at all and the root will rot. Plant the Crown of Thorns in cactus potting mix. You can create your own cactus potting mix by mixing an equal potion of disinfected garden soil and coarse sand. The container material plus its size matters a lot. Choose a plastic container which is about an inch larger than the root ball. Much bigger pot will retain excess water which will be bad for the root. Again clay pots will retain a lot of moisture which could promote the root rot.
Cold Tolerance
The Crown of Thorns is not at all frost resistant. It can tolerate a temperature between 18 to 32°C. Temperature below 32°C makes the plant dormant. It must be moved indoors to ensure protection from extreme coldness
Propagation
This succulent can be propagated either from seeds or stem cutting. But as the former technique is much harder, you can easily rely on stem cutting. Select your preferred branches and cut them with a sharp knife. Wash the cut ends in cold water to get rid of the milky sap. Now lay the cuttings on a old newspaper for 2-3 days to callus the cut ends. When the wounds are totally healed thrust the callus ends of your cuttings into the well-drained wet sand. Water lighly on regular basis to keep the soil moist. Store the newly planted cuttings in a warm place with bright indirct sunlight.
Toxicity
As it is an Euphorbia all parts of the Crown of Thorns are toxic to humans and animals. The most toxic part is the sticky latex which is rleased from broken leaves, stem or roots of the Crown of Thorns. The milky sap can cause skin and eye irritation. Wash off the sap immediately after it contacts your skin. If it gets into your eyes rinse plenty of water to flush out the toxin. Do not rub your eyes as the sap is capable of temporarily blind you. So, see a doctor as as early as it possible. If ingested the toxicity may range from to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
Quick Facts
- Common Names: Crown of Thorns, Christ Plant, Christ Thorn, Christ's Thorn
- Category: Succulent
- Scientific Name: Euphorbia Milii
- Synonyms: Euphorbia milii var. splendens, Euphorbia bojeri,, Euphorbia splendens var. bojeri, Euphorbia breonii, Euphorbia bojeri var. mucronulata, Euphorbia , Euphorbia splendens, Acalypha bojeri
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Genus: Euphorbia
- Origin: Madagascar
- Habitat: Bush and forest habitats
- Life Span: Parennial
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Growing Season:
- Blooming Time: Year-round (in ideal growing conditions)
- Flower Color: Red, yellow, white, pink, and multi-colored
- Fruits: 1 seeded capsule-shapped fruits
- Dormant Time: In harsh conditions, such as extreme cold and dryness
- Height: 3 - 6 ft. (outdoors) 2 ft. (indoors)
- Width: NA
- Exposure: Full, direct sunlight.
- Maintenance: Low
- Drought Resistant: Yes
- Water Needs: Low
- Frost Tolerant: No
- Toxicity: Very Toxic
- Humidity: Low to medium
- Temperature: 65-90°F (18-32°C)
- Propagation: Seed/stem cutting
- Planting Time: Spring
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