Euphorbia milii

Common Names

Crown of Thorns, Christ Plant, Christ Thorn, Christ's Thorn, Crown of Thorns Plant, Corona de Cristo, Corona de Espinas

Summary

Crown of Thorns is a spiny, evergreen succulent shrub native to Madagascar, with thorny stems and small green leaves; bright bracts surround tiny true flowers in red, pink, orange, yellow, or white, blooms year‑round in optimal conditions, and plants typically reach 2 ft indoors or up to 3 ft outdoors, with milky latex sap that is toxic and can irritate skin.

Cultivation favors bright sun and well‑draining soil; drought‑tolerant and watered sparingly with soil allowed to dry between waterings, it is frost‑sensitive and hardy in USDA zones 9–11. Propagation is by stem cuttings, gloves are required due to sap, and occasional pests such as mealybugs, scale, and thrips may occur with root rot risk from overwatering; commonly used as an ornamental plant, suitable for containers and landscape hedges or ground cover.

Lifecycle

Perennial in Zone 10+, otherwise grown as an annual.

Height

2-6 ft

Spread

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, typically a cactus or succulent mix.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, neutral to slightly acidic, around pH 7 or slightly below, not particular about soil pH

Bloom Color

Red, Pink, Yellow, White, Cream

Bloom Time

Year-round, especially Spring and Summer.

Foliage Color

Bright green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, other pollinators