Overview
The crown of thorns plant, scientifically known as Euphorbia milii, is a striking succulent that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. This resilient plant is native to Madagascar and features thorny stems adorned with small clusters of colourful flowers. Its scientific name, derived from Baron Milius, highlights the rich history behind this species. The plant produces clusters of vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white that bloom year-round, adding a pop of colour to any indoor or outdoor space.
These flowers are not petals but modified leaves called bracts. These bracts surround the tiny true flowers and create the illusion of larger blooms. In parts of Africa, this plant is affectionately called Christ Plant or Christ Thorn, symbolizing its association with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.
The crown of thorns plant requires minimal care and can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions. This plant typically grows between 1 to 3 feet tall indoors and 3 to 6 feet tall outdoors. It contains a white toxic sap called Latex. This toxic sap can irritate upon contact with skin or mucous membranes, so it’s advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant.
CROWN OF THORNS CARE
It is a resilient beauty that thrives on neglect. This succulent requires minimal care to flourish.
LIGHT
The Crown of Thorns plant craves for direct sunlight. This plant thrives when exposed to three to four hours of direct sunlight each day. Without ample sunlight, the Crown of Thorns may become leggy and fail to produce its characteristic colorful bracts. Consider placing them near a south-facing window or under a grow light that mimics natural sunlight to ensure they get the light they need to photosynthesize efficiently.
SOIL
Opt for a well-draining soil mix that allows excess water to flow freely and prevents water-logging, which can lead to root rot. A blend of cactus potting mix with some perlite or sand is ideal for providing the right balance between moisture retention and drainage.
The crown of thorns plants thrive in soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level. This type of environment promotes nutrient uptake and ensures that the plant can access essential minerals for healthy growth.
WATER
This resilient succulent thrives in dry conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering. Aim to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. An effective way to determine when your crown of thorns needs water is by checking the soil moisture level. Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water is by checking the soil moisture level regularly before watering. Using a moisture meter can also help you determine when it’s time to water your plant again.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
While room temperature ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is generally best for these plants. Despite the lack of humidity commonly found in most homes during winter, this resilient plant couldn’t care less. Unlike other tropical plants that demand high humidity levels, the Crown of Thorns doesn’t mind the drier air typical of indoor spaces in colder months.
FERTILIZER
These resilient succulents thrive best when fertilized during the active growing season, which typically falls in the spring and summer months. Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during this period will ensure your plant receives the nutrients it needs to flourish. Avoid over-fertilizing your Crown of Thorns, as this can lead to nutrient toxicity and damage the roots.
PRUNING
Pruning the crown of the thorn plant is crucial for maintaining its health and shape. It’s important to prune during the plant’s active growth period, which is typically in the spring or early summer. Wear gloves when pruning as the plant’s toxic sap latex can cause irritation or injury to your skin.
When deciding when to prune your crown of thorns, look for dead or damaged branches that need to be removed. Trimming these branches will encourage new growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant. Remember to cut at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node to promote healthy regrowth.
CROWN OF THORNS PROPAGATION
This plant can easily be propagated via stem cuttings. To propagate Crown of Thorns via cuttings, start by selecting a healthy, mature stem with at least 2-3 pairs of leaves. Use a sharp pair of pruners to make a clean cut just below a node, which is where the leaves meet the stem. Remove any lower leaves to expose the nodes and prevent them from rotting in the soil.
2. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage quicker root development, then plant it into a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in bright, indirect light. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks if kept in optimal conditions.
POTTING AND REPOTTING CROWN OF THORNS
They do not require frequent repotting. This hardy succulent thrives in slightly crowded conditions and doesn’t mind being root-bound. However, to ensure optimal growth and health, it is recommended to repot Crown of Thorns every two to three years. This allows the plant to refresh its soil, get a nutrient boost, and have adequate space for root expansion. Unlike some plants that benefit from being repotted annually, Crown of Thorns only needs to be repotted every two to three years.
To successfully repot a Crown of Thorns plant, begin by selecting a slightly larger pot with good drainage holes. Gently loosen the roots and remove any old soil before placing the plant in its new container. Fill in around the roots with fresh potting mix and firmly press down to secure the plant in place. Remember that over-potting or using a pot too large can lead to overly moist soil, which may negatively impact the health of your Crown of Thorns.
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH CROWN OF THORNS
There are many common problems with these plants like yellowing leaves, dropping leaves, and lack of bloom. Yellowing leaves on a Crown of Thorns plant can be a glaring sign of underwatering. This succulent thrives on neglect to an extent, but consistent dryness can trigger stress responses, manifesting as yellowed and wilting foliage. The lack of adequate moisture disrupts the plant’s ability to carry out essential functions, leading to chlorosis – a condition reflecting insufficient chlorophyll production due to water deficiency.
One common problem with Crown of Thorns plants is dropping leaves, which can be caused by overwatering. When the soil becomes too saturated, the roots suffocate and the plant starts shedding its leaves to respond to stress. To prevent this issue, ensure that you are allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings and avoid watering on a strict schedule.Another reason for dropping leaves in Crown of Thorns plants could be insufficient sunlight. These plants thrive in bright light conditions and may drop their leaves if they do not receive enough sunlight.
One common problem faced with Crown of Thorns plants is the lack of blooms despite proper care. This issue often arises when the plant receives too much light at night, disrupting its natural blooming cycle. While these succulents require plenty of sunlight during the day, excessive artificial light at night can confuse their internal clock and hinder flower production. To solve this problem, consider moving your Crown of Thorns to a darker location in the evening or covering it with a light-blocking cloth during nighttime hours.
Moreover, poor flowering in Crown of Thorns could also be attributed to overfertilizing. These plants are relatively low-maintenance and do not require heavy feeding. Excessive fertilizer can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
COMMON PETS/DISEASES
Common diseases that affect Crown of Thorns plants include scale infestations, mealybugs, and thrips. Scales are small insects that attach to the plant and suck out its sap, resulting in yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Mealybugs are white, cottony pests that feed on the plant’s sap and can cause wilting and yellow spots on the foliage.
Thrips are tiny insects with fringed wings that can damage the Crown of Thorns by sucking out its juices, leading to distorted leaves and flowers. These pests often go unnoticed until significant damage has already been done to the plant. To combat these issues, regular inspection of your Crown of Thorns for signs of pests is essential, along with timely treatment using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
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