Crown of Thorns

The Crown Of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) species is native to Madagascar. The species name commemorates Baron Milius, once Governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821. It is suspected that the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times.

The plant gets its common name from the legend that the thorny crown worn by Jesus at his crucifixion was made from sections of this plant.

Heat tolerant and drought resistant, the crown of thorns plant is a real gem. You can plant crown of thorns in the garden in warm climates. Crown Of Thorns is one of the few succulents with real leaves that are thick, fleshy, and tear-shaped. The leaves appear on stems that are armed with sharp, inch-long spines.

You should plant Crown Of Thorns euphorbia shrubs in full sun for best blossoms. The plants also tolerate salt spray.

If you are lucky enough to live in one of the warmer areas of the country, you’ll enjoy growing crown of thorns outdoors as a small shrub outdoors.

It even thrives in temperatures above 90º F. (32 C.). You can add this flowering succulent to your garden without worrying much about maintenance.

Caring for an outdoor crown of thorns is a breeze. Just be sure to protect it from frost and freeze. This species of the plant does not like temperatures below 50 F.  The cooler weather will stress the plant out, depending on where you live. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 50 F. in winter and as high as 100 F. in summer.

Growing the plant is easy because it adapts well to normal room temperatures and in dry indoor environments. It also forgives occasional missed waterings and feedings without complaint. Average room temperatures of between 65-75 F. (18-24 C.) degrees Fahrenheit are fine.

From spring through late fall, water the indoor Crown of Thorns plant when the soil is dry at a depth of about an inch, which is about the length of your finger to the first knuckle. Water the plant by flooding the pot with water. After all of the excess water has drained through, empty the saucer under the pot so that the roots aren’t left sitting in water. In winter, allow the soil to dry to a depth of 2 or 3 inches before watering.

Although Crown of Thorns belongs to the species of succulents, it can only store a limited amount of water using its stems. The plant has evolved to also take in water through the leaves, so misting the plant on a daily basis may help.