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Euphorbia Milii Crown of Thorns

Euphorbia Milii Crown of Thorns

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About This Plant

Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is native to Madagascar. Indoors it produces thick, spiny grey-brown stems with oval, bright green leaves and small, vivid flowers in pink, red, yellow, or white that are surrounded by showy petal-like bracts.

It can bloom nearly year-round in a south-facing window. Most flowering houseplants bloom for a few weeks per year. Crown of Thorns blooms in cycles throughout the year when given enough direct light and is one of the most reliably and frequently flowering succulents available.

Keep it away from pets, children, and high-traffic areas. The ASPCA confirms Euphorbia milii is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The milky latex sap causes oral irritation, vomiting, and drooling if ingested. Skin contact with the sap causes irritation and dermatitis.

Drought tolerance makes it a forgiving blooming plant. Crown of Thorns stores water in its thick stems and handles weeks of neglect without dropping leaves or losing its bloom. This makes it practical than most flowering plants.

Winter Dormancy

Crown of Thorns slows but does not fully stop in winter if kept in a south-facing window. Water every three to four weeks with a small amount. Keep above 12 degrees C. Do not cut back at this time. No fertilizer until spring.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA (Euphorbia milii). The milky latex sap causes oral irritation, vomiting, drooling, and skin dermatitis on contact. The sharp spines also pose a physical hazard. Wear gloves when handling. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.

Pests

Mealybugs are the most common pest, appearing in the stem joints and at the base of leaves. Spider mites can appear in very dry Canadian heating conditions. The sharp spines make examining the plant carefully more hazardous than with other succulents. Use a magnifying glass and gloves when checking for pests.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Delosperma Lehmannii. Drought-tolerant and flowering.

For another drought-tolerant succulent that blooms in direct sun on a south-facing windowsill, the Delosperma Lehmannii produces vivid daisy-like flowers in spring and summer with minimal care.

Aloe Pheasant Breast. Spiky and sculptural.

For another spiky, drought-tolerant succulent for a south-facing windowsill that handles near-neglect in winter, the Aloe Pheasant Breast has bold white-striped triangular leaves and a strong architectural form.

Euphorbia Trigona Variegated. Same family, cactus-like columns.

For another Euphorbia with a very different tall cactus-like columnar form, the Euphorbia Trigona Variegated has ribbed green and cream stems on an upright architectural form.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Crown of Thorns?

Every two to three weeks in spring and summer when the soil is completely dry. Every three to four weeks in a Canadian winter. This plant handles drought very well. Overwatering causes stem rot. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

Why has it stopped blooming?

Insufficient direct light is the most common cause. Crown of Thorns needs several hours of direct sun daily to bloom reliably. Move it to a south-facing window. Blooming also slows in December and January and resumes in February as light increases. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to check placement.

Is Crown of Thorns toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Euphorbia milii is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The latex sap causes oral irritation, vomiting, and skin dermatitis. The spines are also a physical hazard. Keep out of reach of pets and small children and wear gloves when handling.

How do I handle it safely?

Always wear gloves when handling, pruning, or repotting Crown of Thorns. The milky latex sap that emerges from cut stems and damaged leaves causes skin irritation and is toxic if it reaches eyes or mouth. Wash hands thoroughly after any contact. Place it in a location where it cannot be accidentally brushed against.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. Keep it in a south-facing window, above 12 degrees C, and water very sparingly. It may slow or pause blooming in the shortest winter days but resumes in February. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Good to Know

Sun: Direct to bright

Needs several hours of direct sun daily to bloom reliably. A south-facing windowsill is ideal in a Canadian home. In lower light the plant stays alive but blooms stop.

Light: Bright direct

A south-facing window is essential. From October to February in Canada, keep it as close to the glass as possible. The brief winter bloom slowdown is normal and not a problem.

Water: When completely dry

Water only when soil is completely dry, every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Every three to four weeks in Canadian winter. Overwatering causes stem rot. This plant survives drought far better than excess moisture.

Humidity: Low

Thrives in the dry air of forced-air heated Canadian homes. No humidifier needed. One of the best plants for rooms that get very dry in winter.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA. Milky latex sap causes oral irritation, vomiting, and dermatitis. Sharp spines also pose a physical hazard. Keep away from pets and children. Wear gloves when handling.

Pro Tip

After a bloom cycle ends and the bracts drop, reduce watering to nearly zero for three to four weeks while keeping the plant in its sunny south-facing spot. This brief dry rest period signals to the plant that it is time to set new buds. Resume normal watering and the next bloom cycle will start within two to four weeks.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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