How to grow and care for Euphorbia splendens (Crown of Thorns)
1. Water moderately
When growing Crown of Thorns, do not water excessively, because it prefers neutral soil and water, and because it belongs to the cactus family and is drought-tolerant, so too much water is not good for growing it. You must also make sure the flowerpot drains well. There must be no standing water, otherwise the roots of the Crown of Thorns will slowly rot. Generally speaking, watering once every two days is enough. And do not water until it soaks through.
2. Plenty of light
Crown of Thorns loves light and needs plenty of it; it can tolerate partial shade and is also drought-tolerant. But plenty of light helps promote its growth. If there is not enough light, it easily causes the stems to become deformed.
3. Fertilize in moderation
Compared with other plants, Crown of Thorns is better suited to neutral fertilizers, such as potassium nitrate. During the growing period in May and June, you can apply a little more fertilizer. But do not use raw manure or strong fertilizer.
4. Soil
The best soil for growing Crown of Thorns is a mix of plenty of river mud and a small amount of coal cinder; this mixed soil is more beneficial to its growth.
Now that you have seen these tips for growing Crown of Thorns, let us next look at what points for attention are needed during the growing process!
How to grow Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia splendens), also known as Jinguangzuan, Tiehaitang, Bawangbian and so on, is a deciduous shrub of the genus Euphorbia in the spurge family. It originates from cold regions, and in China it is cultivated outdoors in provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan, while in North China, East China and other places it is mostly grown as a potted plant for enjoyment.The stems of the Crown of Thorns are densely covered with brown hard thorns; the leaves are alternate, broadly lanceolate, very few in number, and all grow on new branches. The flower stalks are long and protruding, arranged in pairs facing each other; the flowers are small and have no petals, and the kidney-shaped bright red part is the bract, which, because of its bright red color, is often mistaken for petals by people looking at potted flower pictures. The flowering period is very long, blooming continuously from March to December, but it blooms best in autumn. Because its flower shape resembles plum blossom and its stems have hard thorns, it is also called "Tiger Thorn Plum".
Crown of Thorns likes mild conditions and sunlight, is itself drought-tolerant, and is best propagated by cuttings. From May to June, cut 8 cm to 10 cm cuttings from the tips of the mother plant's branches, wipe off the white sap that flows from the cut, dip them in plant ash, and leave them for 3 to 4 days until the wounds are dry before inserting them into clean sandy soil. After inserting, water sparingly to keep the potting soil half-dry; roots form in about a month or more. In the second year's autumn, divide and plant them into flowerpots; as a rule, water sparingly, watering again only after the soil dries, otherwise the roots will rot.
In summer, keep the room temperature at around 10°C, and it can overwinter safely. Crown of Thorns grows slowly; new branches can only grow 10 cm to 15 cm of new shoots each year. It has a long lifespan and as a potted plant can live for several decades. Because it grows slowly, it can be trained into various forms of bonsai. Its flowers, under sunlight, are dazzlingly bright, and therefore it is a very good indoor decorative potted flower.
How to grow Crown of Thorns: what to pay attention to when planting Crown of Thorns
The Crown of Thorns looks like a cockscomb in shape, but the milky sap it secretes is toxic, and if swallowed by mistake it will cause poisoning. Special attention must be paid to how to grow Crown of Thorns; let us take a look together.
How to grow Crown of Thorns1. How to grow Crown of Thorns——Cuttings
For cuttings of Crown of Thorns, in May you need to cut off relatively thick, vigorous branches, dry them in the air, and wait until the cut has completely shriveled and dried. Under suitable temperatures, in about fifty days it will take root and grow stems. When planting Crown of Thorns in summer, pay attention to shading and ventilation. You can appropriately shift the side that receives light, so that the shaded branches grow more evenly.
2. How to grow Crown of Thorns——Light
Crown of Thorns likes plenty of sunlight. After planting in May, first place the plant under a shady shed for about ten days, after which it can be moved to a place with plenty of sunlight. Poor light will cause uneven growth of the Crown of Thorns and a certain amount of leggy growth. During the growing stage, ensure there is light, but it also must not be placed outdoors for long periods. In winter, the plant needs light to maintain photosynthesis, so choose a sunny place to keep the Crown of Thorns.
3. How to grow Crown of Thorns——Watering
The growth regulation of Crown of Thorns needs to be kept at around 25°C, and after the cuttings are inserted into the soil they must be kept stable at this temperature. Crown of Thorns is drought-tolerant, so when watering, it is better to keep it dry than wet.