Euphorbia milii aka Crown Of Thorns

Taxonomy

Euphorbia milii, also known as the crown of thorns, Christ plant, or Christ thorn, is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to Madagascar and was introduced to France in 1821 by Baron Milius, who it is named after. Legend has it that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion was made from this plant. The Queen of Thorns is a similar plant species native to the desert regions of Mexico and Madagascar, which can reach a height of up to 6.5 feet in the wild. It was also introduced to France in 1821 and is popular as a houseplant. Both plants have thorny branches and produce small greenish flowers surrounded by bright red, orange, pink, yellow, or white bracts. The flowering period can last all year, and after this period, the fruit appears in the form of a seed container with three grains. The Euphorbia milii is commonly used as an ornamental houseplant in warmer climates and is known for its toxic sap, which repels snails and can irritate humans if handled improperly.

Common names

Crown Of Thorns, Corona De Cristo

How to care for Crown Of Thorns

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Crown Of Thorns, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Crown Of Thorns does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Crown Of Thorns is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Crown Of Thorns thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Corona De Cristo.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Crown Of Thorns plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Crown Of Thorns is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Crown Of Thorns prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Crown Of Thorns is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Crown Of Thorns’s native range is Worldwide.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Crown Of Thorns blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia