How to care for a crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) in winter? Do these few things to get it safely through the winter

The crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is commonly seen in parks, botanical gardens and courtyards. It is a type of plant with a relatively long flowering period, and its flowers are red bracts, bright and eye-catching, making it very suitable as an indoor flower for autumn and winter cultivation in the north. So, how do you care for a crown of thorns in winter?

1. Light

The crown of thorns likes full sunlight and should be given fairly ample light all year round. During the flowering period, if there is plenty of sunlight, the bracts are brightly colored and the flowering period is long; if there is insufficient sunlight, the flower color is dull, and if it is kept in a shaded condition for a long time, it will not bloom or will bloom very little.  

The crown of thorns likes warmth and is not cold-tolerant. In northern regions it is generally moved outdoors in early May and placed in a sunny spot, and moved indoors in early October, placed in a spot indoors that gets sunlight.

2. Temperature

In winter it enters a semi-dormant state, and at this time watering must be strictly controlled to keep the potting soil dry. When the temperature is below 0°C, the plant will die from freezing damage. If the indoor temperature in winter can be kept above 15°C, it will bloom continuously throughout the winter. In winter in northern China, indoor heating is available, which is very suitable for its growth.

3. Water and fertilizer

In winter the weather is cold and the crown of thorns will gradually enter a dormant period. If it is watered heavily, the plant is very easily frostbitten, so it is best to wait until the soil has dried out completely before watering again, and there is no need to fertilize it.

4. Pruning

During the wintering period its leaves will fall off completely. At this time we can prune it appropriately, cutting off overly long side branches, yellowing leaves and dead branches. Because the branches are slender, long and fairly soft, as the plant grows you can use bamboo sticks or wire to make supports of different shapes, and tie and bind the branches onto them, making it into a flower-column shape; when it blooms it will show even more beautifully the red flowers and green leaves. If it is not pruned in time and is allowed to grow naturally, its main branches will grow longer and longer, not only producing fewer flowers, but also making the plant shape unattractive.

Besides being usable as a household potted plant, the crown of thorns has soft young stems that can also be used to tie into shapes such as peacocks, becoming a fine display piece in public places such as hotels and shopping malls.