Crown of Thorns
Euphorbia milii
Crown of Thorns is a tough succulent shrub from Madagascar with woody, thorny stems and long-lasting bracts in red, pink, yellow, or white. It handles drought well and can bloom much of the year when it gets enough sun. Wear gloves when you handle it; the milky sap is irritating.
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Warning
All parts of the plant are toxic. The milky sap contains caustic diterpene esters that cause severe skin and eye irritation. If ingested by pets or humans, it causes intense burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting.
Full care guide
Crown of Thorns Care
Grow Euphorbia milii with hard light, sparse watering, and careful handling of the milky sap that makes this plant a tough, long-blooming windowsill shrub.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Give this plant at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun each day if you want steady blooms. A south- or west-facing window is usually the best indoor spot.
Water
Use a soak-and-dry routine. Let the top half of the soil dry out, then water thoroughly. Always choose a planter with drainage holes so water does not sit around the roots.
Soil
Plant in a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. A gritty blend helps excess moisture drain fast and lowers the risk of root rot.
Humidity & Temperature
Crown of Thorns prefers low humidity and indoor temps between 65°F and 85°F. Keep it away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. In winter, cut back on water and pause fertilizer until spring growth returns.
Common Issues
Too little light means fewer flowers. Soft stems or mushy soil usually point to overwatering. When pruning, wear thick gloves and eye protection to avoid thorns and the toxic milky sap.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer
Soil
A well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix with a pH of 6.1 to 7.5.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
2 to 3 feet tall
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Stem cuttings (allow the cut end to callus for several days before planting).
Common Varieties
Bojeri
Small, teardrop-shaped gray-green leaves that often show a reddish-purple tint along the edges.
Lutea
Smooth, solid bright green, teardrop-shaped leaves that taper toward the base.
California Hybrids
Larger, thicker teardrop-shaped leaves in solid green and tend to grow more stoutly than standard types.
Thai Giant Hybrids
Oversized, leathery, lance-shaped leaves with a thick, succulent feel.