Crown of Thorns
Euphorbia milii
A resilient flowering succulent with thorny stems and bright, cheerful bracts that bloom almost year-round in colors ranging from classic red to pink, yellow, and white. This Madagascar native is incredibly drought-tolerant and rewards minimal care with continuous color, making it perfect for busy gardeners. Despite its intimidating thorns, it's surprisingly easy to grow and adds tropical flair to any collection.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
9–11
USDA hardiness
Height
3-6 feet
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Stem Cutting.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Edibility: Toxic if ingested.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Pollution, Rabbits
- +Edible: Toxic if ingested.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Jade Plant
Similar water and light requirements, both thrive in well-draining soil
Aloe Vera
Compatible watering schedule and both prefer bright, indirect sunlight
Echeveria
Shared preference for infrequent watering and excellent drainage
Kalanchoe
Similar succulent care needs and both tolerate dry conditions well
String of Pearls
Complementary growth habits and matching low-water requirements
Haworthia
Both prefer similar soil conditions and moderate indirect light
Sedum
Compatible drought tolerance and shared preference for sandy, well-draining soil
Barrel Cactus
Similar water needs and both thrive in arid conditions with minimal care
Keep Apart
Ferns
Require consistently moist soil and high humidity, opposite of succulent needs
Impatiens
Need frequent watering and shade, incompatible with Crown of Thorns' dry conditions
Begonias
Prefer consistently moist soil and can develop root rot in succulent soil mix
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects
Diseases
Root rot from overwatering, leaf drop from stress