Crown-of-Thorns
Euphorbia milii
Also listed as Euphorbia breonii, Euphorbia bojeri
Also known as Christ's-thorn, Christ Plant, Christ's-plant
Climate Match for your location
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Crown-of-Thorns is a succulent shrub with thorny stems and small colorful flowers (typically red, pink, or yellow) that bloom nearly year-round with proper care. It thrives in bright sunlight and requires minimal water, making it ideal for dry indoor or outdoor settings.
Why grow it
Crown-of-Thorns offers reliable, long-season color in settings where many ornamentals struggle, particularly in hot, dry climates or for gardeners managing water-limited landscapes. Compared to other succulent shrubs, it produces flowers over a longer window with moderate attention to light and watering. It performs well in containers, making it useful for controlled microclimates or indoor cultivation where space or soil conditions are constrained.
Watch out for
Crown-of-Thorns prefers well-draining soil and is prone to root rot if overwatered, so err on the side of dryness during dormant periods. The plant's growth may slow significantly in winter or under low light conditions, even with adequate care. Thin, leggy growth often results from insufficient light, so relocate plants that begin stretching toward windows.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Madagascar
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Crown-of-Thorns is a succulent shrub with thorny stems and small colorful flowers (typically red, pink, or yellow) that bloom nearly year-round with proper care. It thrives in bright sunlight and requires minimal water, making it ideal for dry indoor or outdoor settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Crown-of-Thorns grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Crown-of-Thorns offers reliable, long-season color in settings where many ornamentals struggle, particularly in hot, dry climates or for gardeners managing water-limited landscapes. Compared to other succulent shrubs, it produces flowers over a longer window with moderate attention to light and watering. It performs well in containers, making it useful for controlled microclimates or indoor cultivation where space or soil conditions are constrained.
Watch out for
Crown-of-Thorns prefers well-draining soil and is prone to root rot if overwatered, so err on the side of dryness during dormant periods. The plant's growth may slow significantly in winter or under low light conditions, even with adequate care. Thin, leggy growth often results from insufficient light, so relocate plants that begin stretching toward windows.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
Madagascar
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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