The Crown of Thorns, also known as Christ Plant or Christ Thorn, is a striking succulent shrub renowned for its vibrant, long-lasting bracts (often mistaken for flowers) and its thorny stems. Despite its prickly appearance, it’s a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens due to its resilience, ease of care, and symbolic significance.

• Genus: Euphorbia
• Species: Euphorbia milii
• Growing Zone: Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. In colder regions, it can be grown as a houseplant or brought indoors during winter.
• Origin: Native to Madagascar.
• Toxicity: The Crown of Thorns plant is toxic if ingested or if the milky sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It contains a latex sap that can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and even more severe symptoms if consumed. Handle with care and wear gloves when pruning or propagating.
• Health Benefits: While there’s no direct evidence of specific health benefits, like many succulents, it may contribute slightly to improved air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix.

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.
• Water: Drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Can tolerate some heat and drought.
• Humidity: Adaptable to average indoor humidity levels.
• Fertilizer: Light feeder. Fertilize occasionally during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer or a specialized succulent fertilizer.
• Pruning: Prune to shape or control size. Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning due to the toxic sap.
• Propagation: Can be propagated from cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry and callus over before planting in well-draining soil.
• The Crown of Thorns plant is a slow-growing succulent that can eventually reach several feet tall and wide.
• Its stems are covered in sharp thorns, hence its common name.
• It produces colorful bracts in various shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange, which surround the actual tiny flowers.
• The plant is relatively pest and disease resistant.

********

Search terms: Crown of Thorns Plant, Euphorbia milii, thorny stems, plants, hobbyist, collectible, tropical plant, cactus, succulent, genus, species, plant, potted plant, indoor plant, indoor garden, plant bomb, seed bomb, the walking crow, nursery, greenhouse, fertilizer, soil, plant care, plant health, home garden, toxicity, gardening, blooming, leaf, leaves, flower, flowering, water, growing zone, perennial, annual, planting, thewalkingcrow, Rotanist Botanist, sunlight