Crown of thorns, Christ plant

Euphorbia milli

Crassulaceae

It has dull colored leaves which tend to fall easily if disturbed or if it is too dry.

Produces flowers all the year round. The flowers are tiny, but each is surrounded by a pair of kidney-shaped, bright red or yellow bracts, which look like petals.

Requires maximum amount of light. The brighter and more constant the sunlight, the longer its flowering season will be.

Can tolerate temperatures up to a minimum of 60ºF.

Requires low humidity.

Don't over water. Keep soil on drier side. Protect from excessive rainfall or sprinkler water. Allow the soil to dry before watering.

The plant is totally pest free.

If your plant drops its leaves and flowers, leaving just the thorny stem, then it is telling you it needs watering more frequently.

It is a dense shrub which grown up to 3' tall. It has ½ inch thick dark brown stem armed on all sides and at frequent intervals with sharp spines of varying lengths.

Apply standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from late spring to early fall.

Some pruning may be required to keep the plant to the required growing height.

Tip cuttings

The plant makes an excellent, impenetrable hedge. The distance of planting should be 1.5' cc.