Crown of Thorns
Euphorbia milii
The Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a sun-loving, semi-succulent shrub famous for its thorny stems and clusters of small, long-lasting flowers that bloom throughout the year in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white.
Native to Madagascar, this plant gets its name from the Biblical legend that it was used in Christ’s crown, but don’t let its intimidating appearance fool you — it’s an excellent houseplant for sunny spots. It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and thrives on neglect once established.
Just be mindful: the milky sap can irritate skin and is toxic to pets, so keep it away from curious paws and hands.
Quick Info
- Light: Bright
- Water: Low
- Size: 1–3 feet indoors
- Humidity: Low
- Temp: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
- Flowering: Yes
- Type: Succulent
- Dog Safe: No
- Cat Safe: No
- Kid Safe: No
Toxicity Info
- Dog Safe: No
- Cat Safe: No
- Kid Safe: No
Notes for Pets: Toxic to pets and can irritate skin
Notes for Kids: Thorny and contains irritant sap
Care Instructions
- Place in the sunniest window possible — south-facing is ideal.
- Use a cactus/succulent mix and allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Avoid overwatering — root rot is the #1 issue.
- Handle with care and gloves; thorns and sap can irritate.
- Prune to shape and encourage bushiness if needed.
Common Problems
- Leaf drop: Often due to sudden temperature change or overwatering
- Yellowing or mushy stems: Too much water or poor drainage
- No blooms: Not enough sunlight — it needs several hours daily
FAQs
Yes — it stores water in its thick stems and prefers dry soil, like other succulents.
Absolutely. Just give it as much light as possible and water sparingly.
The sap is mildly toxic and can cause irritation, and the thorns are sharp — use gloves when handling.
Related Plants
String of Bananas
A fast-growing trailing succulent with glossy, banana-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully — perfect for hanging pots and sunny shelves.
Aloe Vera
A popular succulent known for its soothing gel, Aloe Vera is both decorative and functional — perfect for sunny windowsills and easy-care plant collections.