Texas Tech University

Crown of Thorns, Christ Plant

Euphorbia milii
Interior Floor Specimens

Crown of thorns is a cactus-like interior plant with oval leaves and brightly colored flowers.  It requires little watering, but the numerous thorns along its branches are a potential liability.

(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Euphorbia milii

Euphorbia milii Photo Gallery



Euphorbia milii Plant Information

Classification  
   
Scientific Name: Euphorbia milii
Common Name: crown of thorns

Christ plant
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Suggested Uses: interior rotational color, pot plant, perennials
   
Characteristics  
   
Plant Form: upright
Height: 1 - 5 feet
Spread: 2 feet
Foliage: cactus-like, succulent branches which are armed with significant thorns

oval leaves which drop seasonally
Flower: small, two-petaled flowers in red, pink, orange, or yellow
Bloom Period: Fall - Winter
   
Environment  
   
Light Requirement: high exposure
Water: low water requirement
Soil: well-drained soil
Heat Tolerance: high heat tolerance
USDA Zone: zones 9 - 11
Native Range: Madagascar
   
Care  
   
Maintenance: water sparingly

thorns are potential hazard

milky juice may irritate skin
Pests & Pathology: susceptible to mealybugs
   
Additional Notes: tolerates salt

newer cultivars are becoming commercially available with much larger flowers and foliage

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