The Latest Guide to Crown of Thorns Care Methods and Precautions Explained in Detail

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a shrub plant native to Madagascar in Africa. It grows well in both tropical and temperate regions. After being introduced to our country, it is cultivated in both the north and south, mostly used as greenery in parks or botanical gardens, and can also be grown in pots in courtyards as decoration. So what are the care methods for crown of thorns? Below, Qinnong Net will introduce the care methods and precautions for crown of thorns.

I. Growth habits of crown of thorns

Crown of thorns likes a warm and humid growing environment. Although it originally grows in tropical regions, crown of thorns is neither tolerant of high temperatures nor cold, and can endure a certain degree of drought. Crown of thorns briefly enters dormancy when winter temperatures are very low. If the temperature can be kept above 15°C, crown of thorns can bloom continuously throughout the winter, so it can be cultivated and grown in a greenhouse.

II. Care methods for crown of thorns

1. Soil

For the cultivation soil of crown of thorns, it is best to choose loose, well-draining sandy soil. You can use leaf mold and sandy soil mixed with a small amount of fertilizer. Be careful to keep the fertilizer separate from the plant, otherwise it will cause root burn. Soil is the living environment for plants, so choosing the right soil is very important.

2. Watering

The leaves of crown of thorns are fleshy and very drought-tolerant, so it should not be watered too much. Because the soil is sandy, it has good water absorption and can retain moisture for a long time, so it can grow well without frequent watering. If watered too much and the potting soil is too wet, it will cause root rot and endanger the plant's survival. Usually when watering, pay attention to keeping the potting soil dry. When the summer weather is hot, you can water a little more appropriately, because at this time the temperature is high and water evaporates relatively quickly. However, even if you water in summer, you should place the plant in a ventilated environment to avoid excessive watering affecting plant growth.

3. Fertilizing

The fertilizing requirement for crown of thorns is that it can be fertilized less, but never too much. In summer and autumn, generally applying diluted fertilizer once every 3 to 4 weeks is enough. In winter and spring, reduce fertilizing as much as possible. During the growth period of crown of thorns, too much fertilizer will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves, so it only grows leaves and does not bloom, and its ornamental value is damaged. Especially note that a small amount of fertilizer should be applied during the flower bud differentiation stage, so as to ensure lush leaves and abundant flowers.

4. Light

Everyone knows that only with sufficient light can plants grow luxuriantly, and crown of thorns is no exception. It is best to ensure sufficient sunlight throughout the year, especially during the flowering period. For potted plants kept indoors, crown of thorns needs to be frequently moved to a place with light. Only with sufficient sunlight will the flower color be bright and the leaves lush. If placed in a dark environment for a long time, not only will growth be poor, but flowering will also be affected.

III. Precautions for growing crown of thorns

If crown of thorns is potted, it needs to be repotted after 1 to 2 years of cultivation. Repotting is usually best done in spring each year. When repotting, keep part of the old soil around the roots, replace it with new soil, and replant. Note that dead roots, injured roots, and overly long main roots should be cut off, and excessively dense branches and leaves should also be properly pruned. In addition, crown of thorns is after all still a tropical plant, so the winter temperature should preferably not be lower than 12°C.

The above is what Qinnong Net has brought to you regarding the care methods and precautions for crown of thorns. Qinnong Net would like to remind everyone here that crown of thorns itself is also a traditional Chinese medicine, but its milky sap is toxic. During the care process, if its roots, stems, leaves, or flowers are accidentally broken, the milky sap that flows out must be handled carefully.