• Crown of Thorns, botanically called Euphorbia Milii, is a woody, spiny, succulent shrub, member of the Euphorbiaceae family and a cousin of the renowned Christmas plant, the Poinsettia.

• The true flowers of E. Milii are pretty tiny, and the showy, colorful portion of the terminal inflorescence, is a modified pair of bracts botanically calledcyatophylls. The bracts range from tiny to extra-large in diameter and comes in various color tones.

• Its thick fleshy leaves, produced on top growth are obovate in shape

• Stem is slender to stout. Some varieties are compact growing others can reach as tall as 5 feet.

• Blooms all year round. Bracts of modern hybrids are interestingly large and flowers are amazingly by the multitude, up to 32 flowers per cluster, and they come in myriad of colors not only single-colored bracts but bi-colors and tricolors as well.

• Water smart. Doesn’t need a lot of water as it blooms better when kept on the drier side.

• Easy to grow, easy to care for. Water and walk away, no pruning, no dead heading.

• One of the toughest plant in the regnum plantae. Tolerates neglect pretty well, can handle low temps up to 36°F and flourishes under the hellish Texas summer heat.

• Fertilizer smart. Contrary to common belief COT blooms without the aid of fertilizers (just look at my plants). Saves you money and you help the environment too! If in doubt, a once-a-year feeding of bone meal is sufficient OR repot your COT every 2 years replacing 90% of the old media with a fresh one.

• Interesting specimen. Blooms last for long weeks, some even months. Most cultivars change bloom color during the winter, some acquire deeper tones, others develop dark spots.

• Self-pollinate easily creating a next generation of new flower color, form, shapes and sizes.

• Roots easily, making propagation a breeze. Stick one or two cuttings to give as a gift to your friends, relatives or neighbors.

CARE:

• Pot your newly arrived Crown of Thorns in 3-4 inch pot.

• Use a highly draining media. Cactus potting mix is good for the job.

• Water your plant when the surface is dry to the touch.

• Place your plant on a spot where it receives good sunlight, at least 4 hours.

• After a month or two, when your plant is well-established, repot your Crown of Thorns in a decorative flower pot of your choice, always keeping in mind not to over pot.

• Fertilize sparingly. A teaspoon of organic bone meal can be incorporated into the potting mix during repotting.

• To keep your COT constantly blooming; keep your plant away from garden sprinklers and move your plant into a shadier area during the long, hot days of summer.

Happy gardening! 

Brief History of Crown of Thorns:

Euphorbia milii, with the common names “Crown of Thorns”, “Christ Plant” or “Christ Thorns” hails from Madagascar, a large island situated in the western Indian Ocean, about 225 miles off the east coast of South Africa.

The Latin name, Euphorbia, was coined by King Juba II of Numidia (present day Algeria) after he was treated with a certain potent medicinal plant. He named this plant after his Greek doctor Euphorbus who obtained the plant from Morocco in the Atlas Mountains. King Juba II reigned from between 29 BC-27 BC till his death in 23 AD. However it was only in 1753 when Euphorbia was officially established as the botanical name for this genus of plants in the Euphorbiaceae family.

The label Milii on the other hand, came from the family name of Baron Milius who was then the governor of Reunion, a tropical island located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. He was instrumental in bringing the species to France in 1821 thus Milii was named in his honor.

Interestingly, Crown of Thorns, as commonly called in the English speaking countries, was the plant (branches of this plant) that was braided by the Roman soldiers and placed it on Jesus’ head during His crucifixion - so the legend goes. The original Crown of Thorns are long, malleable, easily woven to create a hoop. According to Dr. T. Ombrello (UCC Biology Dept.), there exist ample proof of the species’ existence in the Middle East even before the time of Christ.

Common names of plants are derived from the plant’s usage in the past, so I have read from botanical books. Sometimes though, as is the case in some countries, a plant can acquire its name through superstitions, legends, folklores. In Thailand, where the plant is extremely popular (thanks to the Chinese who brought the plant to the Island), its name is Poysean, meaning eight saints: Poy being eight and sean being saints. The old E. Milii typically has eight flowers per cluster hence the name, which refers to the eight saints in Chinese mythology. The legend goes to tell that the eight saints sacrificed all their golds, intelligence and spirit to advocate righteousness and justice. By honoring the saints, one will receive good luck according to the specific mythical power of each of the saints: health, bravery, wealth, beauty, artistry, cleverness, poetry and victory over evil spirits.

The Thais highly regard the plant as a lucky charm, a good-luck plant, a symbol of good fortune. They put their potted plants in strategical positions around their houses to invite these positive forces. They believe that the more bloom their Poysean produces, the more luck the household would receive.

References: Crown of Thorns Hybrids by Stephen Jankalski; TropicaNursery.com; www.uaex.edu.,Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service; Crown-of-Thorns by John McLaughlin and Joe Garofalo; L&P Farm, Thailand; Poysean Hybrids by the Agricultural Extension of the Kasetstart University Faculty of Agriculture, Thailand; WanaplukGardens; ViaLibri rare books; Mabberly, D.J. 1993. The Plant Book; PanpitGardenCenter

© Julia G. Falco All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER:

• Various factors like plant age, nutrition, light intensity, soil pH, climatic conditions, can affect the size, quantity and color intensity of bracts.

• Actual colors of blooms and the colors seen on the photos may vary due to camera pixels and also to different monitor settings.

• While I make every effort to pack your plant with extreme care, there is no guarantee that tender leaves, buds and blooms remain intact during shipping.

THANK YOU!