Crown of Thorns plant is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family. It is drought tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness. Historically, the Crown of Thorns plant holds significance in Christianity, where its stems are believed to have been used in the creation of Christ’s crown of thorns.
To maximize growth and flowering, ensure they receive bright, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent but moderate watering to prevent root rot.
With proper care and maintenance, a Crown of thorns plant can live up to 25 years, making it a timeless addition of your indoor gardening.
Scientific Classification of Crown of Thorns Plant
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Genus: Euphorbia
- Species: E. milii
Prefers of Crown of Thorns Plant
- Light – Bright, direct light
- Soil – Well draining
- Soil pH – 6.0-7.0
- Temperature – 65-75 degree Fahrenheit
- Humidity – 40-60%
- Blooming time – Spring
- Flower colour – Red, Pink
- Native area – Madagascar
- Toxicity – Human and pets
How to grow and care Crown of Thorns Plant : Essential maintance tips
Adequate amounts of water, light, soil, temperature and fertilizer should be obtained for the Crown of Thorns flower plant to grow. The problems and benefits of this plant have also been shared in this article.
In this article, I share some of my own experiences in taking good care of this flower plant.
If you want to know about Ixora Plant care.
Light
Crown of thorns prefers bright, direct light and receives at least three to four hours of bright light daily. Place it in a west or south-facing spot during winter. It can tolerate some shade, especially from harsh afternoon sun. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.
Water
This plant is succulent plant that store water so they need well-draining soil and should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the active growing season, water more frequently, roughly once every 7-10 days and adjusting for environmental conditions. It is drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
Soil
It thrive in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil is crucial for Crown of Thorns. A good choice is a combination of 2/3 cactus or succulent potting mix and 1/3 perlite or coarse sand. The root ball should be snug in a container to discourage the retention of water in the container.
Temperature & humidity
The ideal temperature between 65 degree to 75 degree Fahrenheit. It prefer warm temperatures and sensitive to cold. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F and it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below this.
This plant prefers low to moderate humidity and can tolerate dry conditions. The humidity levels between 40% and 60% for optimal growth. They are succulents and store water, so they don’t require high humidity levels.
Fertiliser
During the growing season feed your plant with slow release fertiliser. Proper nutrition will help boost the chances of your plant flowering. Feed a Crown of Thorn plant monthly when it is actively growing with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Crown of Thorns Plant : How to Propagation of Crown of Thorns Successfully
Crown of Thorns plant can be propagate by stem cutting. Divide plants that have grown in the garden for at least two years. This plant can be divided in spring, with plants benefiting from division every 3-4 years to improve form and flowering.
- Choose a healthy stems from the parent plant. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the stem.
- Allow the cutting to callous over for a few days in a cool, dry place.
Prepare a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat and perlite. - To encourage faster rooting, coat the cut stem end with rooting hormone.
Pruning Crown of Thorns: The Secret to Healthier, Fuller Blooms
Pruning is the essential part of its care that keeps your Crown of Thorns healthy and encourage lush growth.
It involves deadheading spent flowers and removing any yellowing or dead leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
Spring is the best time for pruning, as the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly.
Different types of Crown of Thorns plant
- Brush Fire : Another variety of Crown of thorns is brush fire, it has
thick, fleshy leaves and bright red flowers. - Maxi Pink Cadillac : It has Clusters of bubblegum pink bell-shaped flowers appear spring through late summer.
- Red Gundula : Red Gundula
is a variety of the Crown of Thorns plant known for its vibrant red bracts surrounding small, inconspicuous flowers. - California hybrid : This plant has
large, colorful flower bracts and stout stems, often called the “giant crown-of-thorns” series. - Creme Supreme : This easy-to-grow indoor plant features creamy-white flowers. It is a woody, spiny, succulent shrub.
How to care and Repot Crown of Thorns plant
Repotting is very important to extend the lifespan of Crown of Thorns plants and keep them healthy.When the plant grows out of its current pot or the soil loses its nutrients, a healthy root develops.
- It is simple to repot every two or so years if wearing protective gloves and eye gear while potting your plant.
- Do not plant in an overly large container.
- Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
- Carefully remove the plant from its old pot and can also create your own mix by combining coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil.
Some Common problem of Crown of Thorns plant
Overwatering and Root rot
- The most common problem is overwatering can lead to root rot,
mushy stems and leaf drop. It can cause yellowing and brown leaves.
Fungal Infection
- Bacterial leaf spot can cause browning and rotting of stems and leaves due to prolonged moisture. High humidity can effects the leaves colour and can lead to fungal problem.
Overwintering
- Excessive amount of temperature that can damage your plant leaves.
It is crucial to avoid exposing it to drafts or sudden temperature drops as this can cause stress and negatively impact its growth.
Benefits of Crown Thorns Plant
- Crown of Thorns plant brings
symbol of good luck and protection. It can remove toxins from indoor air. To produce fresh air which helps you live healthy. - These plant have been used for antiseptics, painkillers, disinfectants and tonics.
Crown of Thorns Plant Faq
1. What historians think of the crown of thorns relic?
Ans. The crown of thorns has a great lineage going back to about the 11th Century when we know it was in Constantinople.
2. Is Euphorbia mili a cactus?
Ans. Crown of thorns is a succulent but not a Cactus. It is often confused with a cactus because it is a Spiny shrub.
3. Will Crown of thorns grow better in sun or shade?
Ans. Crown of Thorns grows best when it receives three to four hours of bright light each day.