Crown of thorns (Christ plant)
Euphorbia milii
Small, spiny perennial succulent shrub with showy colored bracts, native to Madagascar. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow in bright light; commonly called crown-of-thorns.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Milky latex is a skin and eye irritant and can cause vomiting or diarrhea if ingested by pets or people; keep out of reach and wear gloves when handling.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place in the brightest spot available: a south- or west-facing window is ideal. Provide several hours of direct sun daily; rotate pot periodically so all sides receive light and flowering is encouraged.
Water
Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain, then let the top 3-5 cm (1-2 in) of soil dry before watering again. In winter reduce frequency; avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Tolerates low household humidity and benefits from dry air. Avoid constant misting; if air is extremely dry and growth is poor, occasional grouping with other plants can raise local humidity slightly.
Temperature
Prefers 10–35°C (50–95°F). Keep above 10°C/50°F in winter and protect from cold drafts, frosts and abrupt temperature swings.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing, soft or mushy stems and leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poorly draining soil causing root rot
Solution: Reduce watering, repot into a free-draining mix, trim rotten roots and damaged tissue, allow plant to dry and recover in bright light
Wrinkled or shriveled stems
Cause: Underwatering or prolonged drought stress
Solution: Soak thoroughly, then resume moderate watering schedule; check pot size and soil depth to ensure adequate water retention
White cottony patches or sticky residue
Cause: Mealybugs, scale or aphids feeding on the plant
Solution: Isolate plant, remove pests with alcohol swab or insecticidal soap, repeat treatments and consider systemic insecticide for heavy infestations
Brown, bleached or papery patches on stems/flowers
Cause: Sunburn from sudden exposure to intense midday sun or extreme heat
Solution: Move to filtered light during hottest hours, acclimate plants gradually to stronger light, trim badly damaged parts
✂️How to Propagate Crown of thorns (Christ plant)
Use thick, healthy stems for cuttings. Wear gloves and eye protection—sap is irritating. Cut a 5–10 cm piece, let the cut end callus 2–3 days in shade. Optionally dust with rooting hormone, then plant into a fast-draining cactus mix. Keep warm (20–25°C) and bright but out of direct midday sun until roots form (2–6 weeks). For seed sowing, use fresh seed on light, well-draining mix, keep warm and lightly moist.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to: Native to Madagascar and nearby Indian Ocean islands; adapted to dry, rocky locales.
Natural Habitat: Grows on rocky hillsides and scrubby slopes in semi-arid regions, in full sun with fast-draining, poor soils and seasonal drought.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and keep temperatures above 10°C (50°F). Provide the brightest light possible and avoid fertilizing until growth resumes in spring.
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin light feeding monthly as new growth appears; repot if rootbound and increase light exposure gradually.
Summer
Provide strong light and protection from extreme midday heat; water more frequently when topsoil dries and ensure excellent drainage.
Fall
Gradually decrease watering and cease fertilizing as growth slows. Inspect for pests and acclimate plant to slightly cooler nights.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water a crown of thorns?
Water deeply then allow top 3-5 cm of soil to dry; typically every 1–3 weeks depending on season and conditions.
Can crown of thorns tolerate full sun?
Yes—prefers bright, direct sun for several hours daily but acclimate gradually to prevent sunburn.
Is crown of thorns poisonous to pets?
Yes—milky sap is toxic and irritating; ingestion can cause vomiting and drooling. Keep away from pets.
How do I propagate crown of thorns?
Propagate by stem cuttings: let cut end callus for a few days, then plant in a fast-draining mix and keep warm and bright.
Why isn’t my crown of thorns blooming?
Insufficient light, over-fertilizing, or irregular watering can prevent blooms; provide strong light and a balanced schedule.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025