Crown of Thorns Live Plant – Red Euphorbia milii – 6 inch Pot – Indoor/Outdoor

Overview

Introduce a touch of exotic beauty and resilience to your home or garden with the Crown of Thorns live plant, scientifically known as Euphorbia milii. This woody succulent subshrub is celebrated for its distinctive, densely spiny stems and its prolific, showy flowers, which are actually colorful bracts. Originating from Madagascar, the Crown of Thorns live plant is a versatile and low-maintenance option for plant lovers. This particular specimen features striking red bracts, adding a vibrant splash of color wherever it’s placed. It arrives ready to thrive in a 6-inch pot, making it an ideal choice for immediate display or for transplanting into your preferred container. Its unique appearance and continuous blooming habit make it a fascinating addition to any plant collection, whether you’re looking for an indoor accent or a hardy outdoor specimen.

The Euphorbia milii, often referred to simply as Crown of Thorns, is a truly remarkable plant known for its hardiness and long-lasting blossoms. It can grow up to 5 feet 11 inches tall, showcasing its woody, spiny structure. The straight, slender spines, up to 1.2 inches long, not only add to its distinctive look but also help it navigate its natural environment. Its fleshy, green leaves are primarily found on new growth, complementing the bright red bracts that are the plant’s main attraction. This resilient succulent is perfect for those seeking a plant that offers both visual interest and ease of care, making it a fantastic choice for a thorny houseplant or a vibrant garden addition.

Key Benefits

The Crown of Thorns live plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly desirable addition to any plant enthusiast’s collection. Its unique characteristics contribute to both aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance.

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The most striking feature of the Crown of Thorns live plant is its vibrant, long-lasting red bracts, which resemble small flowers. These colorful displays can last for months, providing continuous beauty and a splash of color to your indoor or outdoor environment.
• Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant: This succulent is incredibly forgiving and requires minimal attention once established. It’s highly drought-tolerant, meaning it can withstand periods of neglect, making it an easy care succulent for busy individuals or beginners.
• Unique Architectural Form: With its woody, spiny stems, the Crown of Thorns offers a distinctive architectural element. This unique structure adds visual interest and texture that sets it apart from typical foliage plants.
• Versatile Placement: Thriving in bright light, this plant can be successfully grown both indoors as a striking houseplant or outdoors in warm climates. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various settings, from sunny windowsills to garden beds.
• Continuous Bloomer: Unlike many plants that have short blooming periods, Euphorbia milii is known for its ability to produce blooms almost year-round, especially when provided with optimal light and care. This ensures consistent color and vibrancy.
• Air Purification: Like many plants, the Crown of Thorns live plant contributes to a healthier indoor environment by naturally filtering airborne toxins, improving the overall air quality in your home.
• Pest Resistant: Its thorny nature and sap tend to deter many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and making it a robust choice for your plant collection.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Crown of Thorns live plant is relatively straightforward, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for an easy care succulent. Understanding its basic needs will ensure vigorous growth and abundant blooms. For light, indoors, place your plant in a spot that receives bright, direct sunlight for at least 3-4 hours daily; a south or west-facing window is ideal. Outdoors, it should be in full sun for the best growth and flowering. This plant truly thrives on ample light, which is crucial for the intensity of its red bracts.

When it comes to watering, moderation is key. Indoors, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering significantly in winter as the plant enters a dormant phase. Outdoors, water thoroughly when the soil is dry, but always avoid overwatering, which can quickly lead to root rot. The right soil is also critical for this thorny houseplant. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which is the most common cause of issues for Euphorbia milii. Regarding temperature, it prefers indoor temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes. Outdoors, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but must be protected from frost. The plant is not fussy about humidity, thriving in low to moderate levels.

Fertilization should be done sparingly. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring to summer). Pruning can be done to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Always wear gloves when pruning, as the plant’s milky sap can be irritating to the skin. Repotting is typically needed every 2-3 years in spring, especially if the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has become compacted. With proper care, your red Crown of Thorns will continue to produce its vibrant bracts and flowers, adding a cheerful touch to your home or garden.

Size & Details

This offering is for a vibrant Crown of Thorns live plant, specifically a red variety of Euphorbia milii, delivered in a 6-inch nursery pot. The plant’s height will vary but typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches tall upon arrival, showcasing its characteristic spiny stems and emerging foliage. The plant is mature enough to display its beautiful red bracts, which are the main attraction. As a woody succulent, it has a moderate growth rate and can eventually reach up to 5 feet 11 inches (1.8 meters) in height with optimal care and growing conditions, though it can be kept smaller through pruning. It is shipped as a healthy, established potted plant, ensuring it arrives ready to thrive in its new environment. Expect continuous blooms, especially in bright light conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This Crown of Thorns live plant is delivered in a 6-inch pot and typically measures 6-12 inches tall upon arrival. With proper care, it can eventually grow into a woody subshrub up to 5 feet 11 inches tall, though its size can be managed with regular pruning.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Crown of Thorns live plant is versatile and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, it needs bright, direct sunlight. Outdoors, it prefers full sun and should be protected from frost, making it suitable for warmer climates or as a seasonal outdoor plant.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This plant requires a lot of light. Indoors, place it in a south or west-facing window for at least 3-4 hours of direct sun daily. Outdoors, it performs best in full sun to encourage abundant flowering and vibrant red Crown of Thorns bracts.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Crown of Thorns live plant is considered an easy care succulent. It is drought-tolerant and forgiving of occasional neglect, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a low-maintenance plant.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Crown of Thorns live plant will arrive as a healthy, established plant in its 6-inch nursery pot, similar to the pictures. We take great care in packaging to ensure it reaches you in excellent condition, ready for its new home.
• Q: How often should I water my Euphorbia milii? A: Water your Euphorbia milii care plant when the top inch of soil feels completely dry. Reduce watering in winter. Always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as overwatering is the most common issue.
• Q: Is the Crown of Thorns a thorny houseplant? A: Yes, the Crown of Thorns live plant is indeed a thorny houseplant. It has sharp, slender spines along its stems, which are part of its natural defense. Handle with care and wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
• Q: When is the best time to repot this plant? A: Repotting is best done every 2-3 years during the spring, especially if the plant has outgrown its current pot or if the soil has become compacted. Always use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The Crown of Thorns live plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). If you live in an area with colder winters, it’s best to bring outdoor plants indoors or provide adequate frost protection.
• Q: What type of soil is best for Euphorbia milii? A: A well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend, is ideal for the Crown of Thorns live plant. This prevents water from sitting around the roots and causing rot.