Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)
The Euphorbia milii, better known as the crown of thorns, is a strong and striking houseplant with thorny branches and colorful flowers. This plant originates from Madagascar and is known for its long flowering period and easy care. Grower Richplant supplies this special Euphorbia Milii plant as a decorative and robust addition to your interior.
The crown of thorns houseplant has thick, spiny stems in which it stores water. This allows it to tolerate dry conditions well. The flowers are often red, pink, or white and provide long-lasting color indoors. With proper care, this plant remains compact and richly flowering.
The Euphorbia milii is a plant that requires little care but does need sufficient light and a dry location. This makes it a suitable choice for lovers of flowering houseplants who have little time for intensive care.
Did you know…
The name crown of thorns refers to the crown worn by Christ, for which, according to stories, branches of the Euphorbia milii were used.
Euphorbia milii care
Caring for the crown of thorns is easy if you follow a few basic rules. Below are the key points for a healthy plant.
• Only water when the soil feels dry
• Place the plant in a bright and sunny spot
• Prune if necessary to keep the shape compact
• Be aware that the milky sap is toxic on contact
• Leaf drop may occur due to changes in care or location
Crown of thorns care tips
How much water does a crown of thorns need?
The plant needs little water. It stores moisture in its stems and can therefore tolerate dry periods well.
Only water when the potting soil has completely dried out. Too much water can damage the roots.
What is the best location for Euphorbia Milii?
The Euphorbia Milii prefers a bright location with plenty of sunlight in a place where it is always at least 15 °C. The more light, the better the flowering. The living room is therefore very suitable. Even a spot close to a heater is well tolerated.
Can a crown of thorns be placed outside?
Yes, but only in warm weather and in a sheltered, sunny spot. It is not frost-hardy and must be brought indoors at lower temperatures.
Should you repot a crown of thorns?
Repotting is rarely necessary. The plant prefers a small pot and does not need much space. There is also a risk of damaging the roots when repotting.
If you do repot, do so in spring.
During the growing season (spring to summer), feed the plant twice a month with liquid fertilizer suitable for succulents.
Is the crown of thorns toxic?
Yes, it is toxic. The plant contains a white milky sap that can cause irritation on contact. Caution is therefore important when caring for and pruning the plant.
Is it toxic to cats?
Yes, it is also toxic to cats and other pets.
Can you prune a crown of thorns?
Yes, pruning helps maintain shape or keep the plant compact.
How should I prune it?
Prune carefully and watch out for the milky sap. Preferably use gloves to avoid skin irritation.
How long does it bloom?
The crown of thorns can bloom for a large part of the year. Even without extra care, it flowers easily. Ideal for people without green fingers 😉
Should old flowers be removed?
You can remove faded flowers to keep the plant looking attractive. Be careful of the sharp thorns.
As far as we know, the crown of thorns does not have air-purifying properties.
The Euphorbia Milii is a very strong plant that rarely suffers from diseases or pests. Occasionally, scale insects or mealybugs may occur.
Appearance characteristics of the Euphorbia Milii
Is your Crown of Thorns not performing as expected? That can happen. Every plant has its own unique needs, so care is not always straightforward. We have listed the most frequently asked questions below:
Why is my plant losing leaves?
Leaf drop can be caused by changes in care, such as too much water or a change in location.
The stem is rotting
This can occur due to damage. Remove the affected part to prevent further spread.
Why does my plant have yellow leaves?
This is often caused by overwatering. Reducing water usually solves the problem.
Lifespan of Euphorbia Milii
This strong plant can last for many years. Give it some extra care and you will enjoy this colorful and spiky companion for a long time.
