Crown of Thorns | Euphorbia Milii
Crown of Thorns | Euphorbia Milii
Euphorbia milii is commonly known as crown of thorns.
Legend has it that it was the plant used to create Jesus’s crown during crucifixion. It has long and flexible wooden stems with long thorns.
In our region, it’s quite a popular plant due to its ability to provide bright color to a hot desert landscape via its bracts that look like flowers.
Botanical name: Euphorbia milii
Other names: Christ plant, crown of thorns
Plants are shipped bare root. Soil used to repot should be easy draining. Water again only once soil is nearly dry. Euphorbias contain a milkly sap that will irritate skin on contact, please handle with care.
Crown of thorns Appearance
Crown of Thorns, botanically known as Euphorbia milii, is a succulent with thorny wooden stems, bright evergreen leaves, and colorful, showy flowers.
Shrubby growth habit. Grows to 3-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide overall.
Long and gray wooden stems with long thorns. The stems contain toxic white sap.
Leaves are typically 1-2 inches long and bright green. Younger plants tend to be leafier while mature plants have more bare stems.
The showy “flowers,” typically red or yellow, are actually bracts, i.e., modified leaves. The actual flowers are tiny and green and hard to see from a distance.
Enjoy the very long blooming season, which is almost year round in the Coachella Valley.
Crown of Thorns Landscaping Tips
Plant multiple alongside borders and walls to bring out the bright flowers.
Plant among desert plants to add texture and visual interest.
White sap is toxic if ingested or touched. Also, the stems have long, sharp thorns. Keep from children and pets. Handle with gloves.
Performs well in containers. Easy and low-maintenance houseplant as long as it gets lots of bright light.
Prune sick or dead stems in winter or spring.
Protect from frost. May not recover from frost damage.
Crown of Thorns Origin
Crown of thorns Care
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile. Adaptable to a wide range of soils.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time. Protect from frost.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level.
Sun: Full sun. Shade from afternoon sun is best in Palm Springs region.
Crown of thorns Problems
Pests: Euphorbia milii has minimal pests, which include mites.
To remove spider mites, use horticultural oil for crawlers and insecticidal soap for mites of all stages. Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.
Fungal diseases include root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, root rot
Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying, dropping leaves and flowers
Signs of too much sun: Burning, fading color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring, few blooms
Crown of thorns Propagation
Remove young stems that are 3-6 inches long. Use caution due to toxic white sap. Allow it to dry and callus, then plant in moist soil.
FAQ
How much does crown of thorns cost?
At our nursery, crown of thorns (euphorbia milii) costs $20 for a 5-gallon container and $75 for a 15-gallon container.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
How big does crown of thorns get?
If grown in a container, it’ll typically reach 2-3 feet in height. Outdoors, if grown directly in the ground, it will reach 3-6 feet in height.
Why is my crown of thorns not flowering?
The most common reason for crown of thorns not flowering is due to inadequate sunlight.