Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &
Crown of Thorns Plant &

Looking for a unique and low-maintenance plant to add some personality to your home or garden? Look no further than the Euphorbia milii, known as Crown of Thorns or Corona de Cristo, a flowering plant of the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall; however, when grown as a houseplant, it typically grows up to 3 feet.  

This ornamental cactus-like succulent corona de Cristo is native to Madagascar and other tropical regions worldwide. It was introduced into cultivation by none other than Baron Milius (Middle East) himself, a Governor of Réunion (Bourbon Island); hence its name, Milii. 

The Euphorbia Milii goes by several other common names such as Crown of Thorns plant, Christ plant, and Christ Thorn. In Latin America, it is known as Corona de Espinas and Corona de Cristo, which means crown of Christ. It is rumored that the crown of Jesus was made of this plant's woody stem. It comes in a wide range of colors, including red, peach, white, yellow, orange, and purple.   

The Crown of Thorns plant is a perennial, herbaceous shrub with bright green leaves with a light pink or maroon tint that is primarily found on new stem growth.  

The flowers of the Crown of Thorns are surrounded by long-lasting and bright red or yellow modified leaves. It blooms in a delicate gold-white color throughout the spring. The flowers of these plants add an ornamental look to any room.  

To propagate corona de Cristo, simply do this with stem cuttings or tip cuttings. It is safe to touch but should not be consumed because it contains milky sap, which can cause skin irritation, blindness, and gastrointestinal problems. Keeping the plant out of reach of children and pets is crucial.  

Watering Needs  

One of the coolest features of this crown of thorns is the way it stores water in its stems. That means you don't need frequent watering - just make sure the topsoil is completely dry before giving it another drink. This helps avoid overwatering and keeps your plant healthy and happy!   

Euphorbia milii's roots should ideally be slightly damp at all times to prevent the plant from starting to shed its leaves. Often, people worry they aren't giving their plants enough water when, in reality, they are over-watering them. This is especially the case with the crowns of thorns as they don't do well in moist soil which can result in root rot.  

Plus, in those hot summer climates, watering once a week is perfect for this thorn of Christ plant. But come wintertime (dormancy period), you can cut back to every two weeks or less.  And get this - any type of water (except hard water) will work just fine! 

So, whether you use tap or filtered or even rainwater, your crown of thorns plant will be thriving in no time. Just remember to avoid hard water since this succulent species doesn't like lime very much.  

Light Requirements   

This corona de Cristo enjoys full sunlight and will reward you with an explosion of vibrant flowers in a sunny location. Learn to adjust your crown of thorns plant to avoid burns if the location where you have the succulent is exposed to a lot of sunlight.  Gradually increase the exposure until it can handle the full sun.  

Don't even think about hiding it away in a shady corner - this corona de Cristo plant deserves to be front and center in direct sun, soaking up those rays. Even if direct sunlight isn't possible, make sure it gets the brightest spot available, or risk having a sad-looking, raggedy plant on your hands. But fear not! With just 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, this semi-succulent will still bloom beautifully.  

It's critical to remember that during a heatwave or periods of extreme heat, your crown of Thorn succulent branches could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. You can protect the plant in this situation by moving it indoors.  So go ahead, find that perfect south or west-facing window for your Corona de Cristo, and let it bask in all its sunny glory!  

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs  

The corona de Cristo favors a very airy, sandy soil-based potting mix that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.  

When it comes to fertilizing Euphorbia milii, apply it once in the spring with an equal amount of NPK (5-10-5). Benefiting beneficial microorganisms. If using a specialized fertilizer, follow the label instructions. When using a regular plant fertilizer, dilute it by 50% and choose a natural fertilizer with a higher Phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio.   

The crown of thorns succulents requires less water and fertilizer than other plants. Overfertilization, on the other hand, can result in fungal diseases.  

Hardiness Zones & More   

As desert dwellers, the Corona de Cristo loves heat and dryness but can't stand frost, so keep it indoors during those colder winter months. But if you live in a warm climate in a USDA zone 9-11, lucky you! This stunning semi-succulent can be grown outside as an ornamental shrub. Plus, it requires low maintenance care - perfect for gardening beginners or busy bee plant lovers!  

They prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate triple digits in the summer, so don't worry if your crown of thorns plants get too hot.  It is not a problem if the temperatures drop slightly at night because this Euphorbia milii can withstand temperatures as low as 50 °F. This succulent thrives in warm climates with low to medium humidity levels.  

Whether you're new to gardening or just extremely busy but love plants - the low-maintenance Euphorbia milii - Crown of Thorns white (Corona de Cristo) is perfect for your home garden!  If you are looking to purchase a crown of thorns plant, you can check out your local nursery or garden center or search online for "crown of thorns plant for sale" to discover a wide variety of choices. 

Bloom Season Spring
Bloom Season Spring, summer
Botanical Name Euphorbia milii
Common Name Christ plant, Crown of Thorns, Christ Thorn, Corona de Cristo
Dormancy Winter
Family Euphorbiaceae
Flower Color Gold/yellow
Flower Color White, gold
Genus Euphorbia
Growth Habit Armed shrub
Growth Habit Armed shrub, fleshy stem
Growth Habit Upright
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Hardiness Zone 9 11 (USDA)
Mature Size 12 24 in. tall
Mature Size Up to 3 ft. tall
Native Area Madagascar
Plant Type Perennial Succulent
Plant Type Succulent plant
Propagation By cuttings
Propagation By cuttings, stems, offsets
Resistance Drought tolerant
Resistance Drought tolerant, deer resistance, rabbit resistance
Resistance Drought tolerant, deer resistance, rabbit resistance, pest resistance
Soil PH 6.5
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type Succulents potting mix soil
Special Features Easy to grow
Sun Exposure Full sun (bright light)
Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity Safe for humans
Toxicity Safe for humans, mildly toxic (Keep away from children)
Watering Needs Low

Pests & Common Problems of Crown of Thorns 

Most pests avoid the Euphorbia milii; however, common houseplant pests like scale, mealybug, spider mites, and aphids can be a problem. Even if this tough plant is indoors, keep an eye out for fungus plant diseases like botrytis, leaf spotting disease, and root rot. 

These issues can be prevented by letting the pot and soil dry out before rehydrating it.  It is uncommon for you to encounter difficulties with it. Let's go over some of the possibilities!  

Yellowing of leaves: A common sign of root rot is the yellowing of bright green leaves, which eventually causes cyclical leaf drop-off. These are also signs of drought and a plant that doesn't get enough sunlight. The leaves of this thorny crown will be yellow if your soil has been dry, especially in the winter. For a few days, leave the plant outside in the sun for about six hours each day, and it will heal.  

Curling Leaves: Evaluate your plant's growing situation closely to determine the cause of curling leaves, such as overwatering, underwatering, or temperature shock. Increase watering to prevent future curling, repot with fresh soil, and avoid major temperature changes.  

Stunted Growth: Make sure your plant is getting enough light first and foremost. Low light levels will not allow the corona de Cristo plant to grow, and even moderate light will probably not be sufficient. So, make sure it is getting enough light and its roots are healthy. If not, propagate it to encourage it to develop new roots.  

Poor Flowering: It's possible that your indoor crown of thorns flower or succulent isn't blooming because it receives a lot of light at night (they need total nighttime darkness for best flowering). Having poor flowering is another effect of overfertilization. If you apply too much fertilizer, you will get more foliage than flowers.  

If you want your plant to remain healthy and beautiful, it is important to follow proper crown of thorns plant care, including providing it with adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and appropriate watering.   

FAQs - Corona De Cristo Plant

What is the meaning of the plant Corona de Cristo?   

The orona de Cristo is the Spanish translation for Crown of Christ, and the common name in English is Crown of Thorns or Euphorbia milii plant.  

The name comes from the legend that the plant was used to make the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. In some cultures, the plant is also associated with good luck and protection.   

Is the Crown of Thorns plant poisonous?   

The corona de Cristo or crown of thorns plant is safe to touch but toxic if consumed.  The sap of the plant contains a milky white substance that can cause skin irritation and is poisonous if ingested.   

It is important to keep the plant away from children and pets and to wear gloves when handling it to avoid skin irritation. If you or someone you know ingests any part of the plant, seek medical attention immediately.  

Is Crown of Thorns a cactus or succulent?   

Crown of Thorns belongs to the Euphorbia family and has characteristics of a succulent, such as thick, fleshy leaves and the ability to store water in its stem and leaves.   

Is Crown of Thorns an indoor plant?   

The crown of thorns can be grown as an indoor plant as long as it is placed in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 3-4 hours daily. It is important to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight for a long period, as this can cause sunburn on its leaves.   

Additionally, the crown of thorns requires well-draining soil and does not tolerate over-watering, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. If you plan to grow a crown of thorns indoors, make sure to place it in a location that receives enough light and to water it appropriately.  

What colors does Crown of Thorns come in?  

The crown of thorns plant, or Euphorbia milii, comes in a wide range of colors, including red, peach, white, yellow, orange, and purple. The flowers are small and are surrounded by showy modified leaves that can be green, red, pink, or white.  

The color of these leaves and flowers can vary depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Some cultivars have variegated leaves or specialized leaf shapes, making them even more unique.  

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Crown of Thorns Plant 'Euphorbia Milii'  - Corona De Cristo

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Please note: All Landscape Ready plants that are in a 6-inch pot or larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

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Please note: Our large plants are many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive 100% healthy and looking great.

Please note: Our large plants are shipped bare root. They are also many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive healthy and looking great.

If you live in a cold climate and are expecting temperatures below 40 degrees within the next five days after placing your order, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order. If you do not order a heat pack, we do not send one with your order.

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**FREE HEAT PACK WITH ORDERS OVER $50 before taxes and shipping- BY REQUEST ONLY, PLEASE MAKE A NOTE ON YOUR ORDER.

To prevent plants from freezing while in transit, orders placed for areas with extreme severe freezing temperatures will be held for shipment until it is safe to ship.

Plants that are in 3.5" pots and smaller will be shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots. Any plant that is 6" and larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

Depending on the species and season, you will receive a very similar plant to the one in the picture. It may or may not be blooming at the time of your purchase.

We ship via USPS Priority Mail, and we calculate the shipping cost based on the weight and volume of your purchase. Care instructions are included in every package you order. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. Depending on your location, we will ship the plants on a certain day to avoid transit time during weekends or holidays. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note on your order. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at any time.

  • Description
  • Key Plant Features

Looking for a unique and low-maintenance plant to add some personality to your home or garden? Look no further than the Euphorbia milii, known as Crown of Thorns or Corona de Cristo, a flowering plant of the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall; however, when grown as a houseplant, it typically grows up to 3 feet.  

This ornamental cactus-like succulent corona de Cristo is native to Madagascar and other tropical regions worldwide. It was introduced into cultivation by none other than Baron Milius (Middle East) himself, a Governor of Réunion (Bourbon Island); hence its name, Milii. 

The Euphorbia Milii goes by several other common names such as Crown of Thorns plant, Christ plant, and Christ Thorn. In Latin America, it is known as Corona de Espinas and Corona de Cristo, which means crown of Christ. It is rumored that the crown of Jesus was made of this plant's woody stem. It comes in a wide range of colors, including red, peach, white, yellow, orange, and purple.   

The Crown of Thorns plant is a perennial, herbaceous shrub with bright green leaves with a light pink or maroon tint that is primarily found on new stem growth.  

The flowers of the Crown of Thorns are surrounded by long-lasting and bright red or yellow modified leaves. It blooms in a delicate gold-white color throughout the spring. The flowers of these plants add an ornamental look to any room.  

To propagate corona de Cristo, simply do this with stem cuttings or tip cuttings. It is safe to touch but should not be consumed because it contains milky sap, which can cause skin irritation, blindness, and gastrointestinal problems. Keeping the plant out of reach of children and pets is crucial.  

Watering Needs  

One of the coolest features of this crown of thorns is the way it stores water in its stems. That means you don't need frequent watering - just make sure the topsoil is completely dry before giving it another drink. This helps avoid overwatering and keeps your plant healthy and happy!   

Euphorbia milii's roots should ideally be slightly damp at all times to prevent the plant from starting to shed its leaves. Often, people worry they aren't giving their plants enough water when, in reality, they are over-watering them. This is especially the case with the crowns of thorns as they don't do well in moist soil which can result in root rot.  

Plus, in those hot summer climates, watering once a week is perfect for this thorn of Christ plant. But come wintertime (dormancy period), you can cut back to every two weeks or less.  And get this - any type of water (except hard water) will work just fine! 

So, whether you use tap or filtered or even rainwater, your crown of thorns plant will be thriving in no time. Just remember to avoid hard water since this succulent species doesn't like lime very much.  

Light Requirements   

This corona de Cristo enjoys full sunlight and will reward you with an explosion of vibrant flowers in a sunny location. Learn to adjust your crown of thorns plant to avoid burns if the location where you have the succulent is exposed to a lot of sunlight.  Gradually increase the exposure until it can handle the full sun.  

Don't even think about hiding it away in a shady corner - this corona de Cristo plant deserves to be front and center in direct sun, soaking up those rays. Even if direct sunlight isn't possible, make sure it gets the brightest spot available, or risk having a sad-looking, raggedy plant on your hands. But fear not! With just 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, this semi-succulent will still bloom beautifully.  

It's critical to remember that during a heatwave or periods of extreme heat, your crown of Thorn succulent branches could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. You can protect the plant in this situation by moving it indoors.  So go ahead, find that perfect south or west-facing window for your Corona de Cristo, and let it bask in all its sunny glory!  

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs  

The corona de Cristo favors a very airy, sandy soil-based potting mix that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.  

When it comes to fertilizing Euphorbia milii, apply it once in the spring with an equal amount of NPK (5-10-5). Benefiting beneficial microorganisms. If using a specialized fertilizer, follow the label instructions. When using a regular plant fertilizer, dilute it by 50% and choose a natural fertilizer with a higher Phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio.   

The crown of thorns succulents requires less water and fertilizer than other plants. Overfertilization, on the other hand, can result in fungal diseases.  

Hardiness Zones & More   

As desert dwellers, the Corona de Cristo loves heat and dryness but can't stand frost, so keep it indoors during those colder winter months. But if you live in a warm climate in a USDA zone 9-11, lucky you! This stunning semi-succulent can be grown outside as an ornamental shrub. Plus, it requires low maintenance care - perfect for gardening beginners or busy bee plant lovers!  

They prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate triple digits in the summer, so don't worry if your crown of thorns plants get too hot.  It is not a problem if the temperatures drop slightly at night because this Euphorbia milii can withstand temperatures as low as 50 °F. This succulent thrives in warm climates with low to medium humidity levels.  

Whether you're new to gardening or just extremely busy but love plants - the low-maintenance Euphorbia milii - Crown of Thorns white (Corona de Cristo) is perfect for your home garden!  If you are looking to purchase a crown of thorns plant, you can check out your local nursery or garden center or search online for "crown of thorns plant for sale" to discover a wide variety of choices. 

Bloom Season Spring
Bloom Season Spring, summer
Botanical Name Euphorbia milii
Common Name Christ plant, Crown of Thorns, Christ Thorn, Corona de Cristo
Dormancy Winter
Family Euphorbiaceae
Flower Color Gold/yellow
Flower Color White, gold
Genus Euphorbia
Growth Habit Armed shrub
Growth Habit Armed shrub, fleshy stem
Growth Habit Upright
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Hardiness Zone 9 11 (USDA)
Mature Size 12 24 in. tall
Mature Size Up to 3 ft. tall
Native Area Madagascar
Plant Type Perennial Succulent
Plant Type Succulent plant
Propagation By cuttings
Propagation By cuttings, stems, offsets
Resistance Drought tolerant
Resistance Drought tolerant, deer resistance, rabbit resistance
Resistance Drought tolerant, deer resistance, rabbit resistance, pest resistance
Soil PH 6.5
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type Succulents potting mix soil
Special Features Easy to grow
Sun Exposure Full sun (bright light)
Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity Safe for humans
Toxicity Safe for humans, mildly toxic (Keep away from children)
Watering Needs Low

Pests & Common Problems of Crown of Thorns 

Most pests avoid the Euphorbia milii; however, common houseplant pests like scale, mealybug, spider mites, and aphids can be a problem. Even if this tough plant is indoors, keep an eye out for fungus plant diseases like botrytis, leaf spotting disease, and root rot. 

These issues can be prevented by letting the pot and soil dry out before rehydrating it.  It is uncommon for you to encounter difficulties with it. Let's go over some of the possibilities!  

Yellowing of leaves: A common sign of root rot is the yellowing of bright green leaves, which eventually causes cyclical leaf drop-off. These are also signs of drought and a plant that doesn't get enough sunlight. The leaves of this thorny crown will be yellow if your soil has been dry, especially in the winter. For a few days, leave the plant outside in the sun for about six hours each day, and it will heal.  

Curling Leaves: Evaluate your plant's growing situation closely to determine the cause of curling leaves, such as overwatering, underwatering, or temperature shock. Increase watering to prevent future curling, repot with fresh soil, and avoid major temperature changes.  

Stunted Growth: Make sure your plant is getting enough light first and foremost. Low light levels will not allow the corona de Cristo plant to grow, and even moderate light will probably not be sufficient. So, make sure it is getting enough light and its roots are healthy. If not, propagate it to encourage it to develop new roots.  

Poor Flowering: It's possible that your indoor crown of thorns flower or succulent isn't blooming because it receives a lot of light at night (they need total nighttime darkness for best flowering). Having poor flowering is another effect of overfertilization. If you apply too much fertilizer, you will get more foliage than flowers.  

If you want your plant to remain healthy and beautiful, it is important to follow proper crown of thorns plant care, including providing it with adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and appropriate watering.   

FAQs - Corona De Cristo Plant

What is the meaning of the plant Corona de Cristo?   

The orona de Cristo is the Spanish translation for Crown of Christ, and the common name in English is Crown of Thorns or Euphorbia milii plant.  

The name comes from the legend that the plant was used to make the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. In some cultures, the plant is also associated with good luck and protection.   

Is the Crown of Thorns plant poisonous?   

The corona de Cristo or crown of thorns plant is safe to touch but toxic if consumed.  The sap of the plant contains a milky white substance that can cause skin irritation and is poisonous if ingested.   

It is important to keep the plant away from children and pets and to wear gloves when handling it to avoid skin irritation. If you or someone you know ingests any part of the plant, seek medical attention immediately.  

Is Crown of Thorns a cactus or succulent?   

Crown of Thorns belongs to the Euphorbia family and has characteristics of a succulent, such as thick, fleshy leaves and the ability to store water in its stem and leaves.   

Is Crown of Thorns an indoor plant?   

The crown of thorns can be grown as an indoor plant as long as it is placed in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 3-4 hours daily. It is important to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight for a long period, as this can cause sunburn on its leaves.   

Additionally, the crown of thorns requires well-draining soil and does not tolerate over-watering, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. If you plan to grow a crown of thorns indoors, make sure to place it in a location that receives enough light and to water it appropriately.  

What colors does Crown of Thorns come in?  

The crown of thorns plant, or Euphorbia milii, comes in a wide range of colors, including red, peach, white, yellow, orange, and purple. The flowers are small and are surrounded by showy modified leaves that can be green, red, pink, or white.  

The color of these leaves and flowers can vary depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Some cultivars have variegated leaves or specialized leaf shapes, making them even more unique.  

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