How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (2024)

The Crown of Thorns is a beautiful succulent that produces colorful flowers and is relatively easy to care for. Growing Crown of Thorns in pots requires some special consideration, but it’s not as difficult as you think. It gets its name from the sharp, thorn-like spines that cover its stems. Growing Crown of Thorns in pots is an easy way to add texture and visual interest to your garden.

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (1)

With minimal care and a few simple tips, you can have beautiful blooms all summer long. Whether looking for something that will thrive in full sun or partial shade, these succulent plants will bring beauty wherever they grow. The plant has a long tap root that can reach deep water sources, making it ideal for growing in dry climates.

Crown of Thorns is also tolerant of poor soil conditions and can be grown in various pot sizes. The plant produces vivid red flowers that bloom throughout the year, making it an attractive addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Crown of Thorns is also known for its low maintenance requirements and ease of care.

How to grow and care for the Crown of Thorns in pots

Types of the Crown of Thorns

Short and Sweet

As their names suggest, the main difference between these types is their height. Short Crown of Thorns plants typically grows about 2 feet tall, while sweet Crown of Thorns can grow up to 4 feet tall. Both types of Crown of Thorns make excellent houseplants, but if you’re looking for something that will add a bit of extra height to your space, then a sweet Crown of Thorns is the way to go. The Short and Sweet Crown of Thorns plants are perfect for growing in pots. They have a compact growth habit and produce abundant beautiful, brightly colored flowers.

Maxi Zephyr

Maxi Zephyr is characterized by its large, fleshy stems and bright red flowers. Maxi Zephyr Crown of Thorns is a popular choice for potting because they are relatively easy to care for and makes an attractive addition to any home or garden. With proper care, Maxi Zephyr’s Crown of Thorns can thrive for many years in pots.

Maxi Pink Cadillac

A Maxi Pink Cadillac is a Crown of Thorns typically used for decorative purposes. They are often found in pots and are known for their showy, pink flowers. While they are not the most durable type of Crown of Thorns, they can add a touch of elegance to any setting. The Maxi Pink Cadillac is an easy plant to care for and is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to their collection.

Red Gundula

The Red Gundula has red flowers and thorns. It is a beautiful plant that can add color to any home. This type of Crown of Thorns is easy to grow and care for. Red Gundula is a type of Crown of Thorns often used in pots. This plant has long spiny stems with bright red flowers. The Red Gundula is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun and dry conditions.

In case you missed it: 18 Best Vegetables to Grow in Buckets: Planting to Care for Beginners

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (2)
Brush Fire

The Brush Fire is the most common type, and its small size and dense growth characterize it.

Creme Supreme

Creme Supreme is a type of Crown of Thorns often used in pots. This plant has dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers.

California Hybrids

Crown of Thorns is a beautiful, unique plant that makes an excellent addition to any home or garden. There are many different types of the Crown of Thorns, each with its distinct appearance and set of benefits. One popular type of Crown of Thorns is the California hybrid. California hybrids are known for their large, showy flowers. They come in various colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. They are also relatively drought-tolerant, making them a good option for those in dry climates.

Soil requirement for the growing Crown of Thorns in pots

You can find potting mixes designed explicitly for cacti and succulents at your local nursery or garden center. Or, you can make your mix by combining equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss. If you choose to make your mix, sterilize the ingredients before use. When it comes to the growing Crown of Thorns in pots, the best soil to use is a well-draining cactus mix or sandy loam. If you’re using a store-bought potting mix, you can add some gravel or sand to help drainage. The Crown of Thorns is native to arid regions, so they don’t need a lot of moisture.

Climate suitable for the growing Crown of Thorns in pots

Crown of Thorns is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant flowers. The plant does best in bright light and needs to be protected from drafts. The plant also needs well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. The climate is essential regarding the growing Crown of Thorns in pots. The plant does best in warm weather and can tolerate some drought. However, it is not tolerant of frost.

In case you missed it: How to Grow and Care for Brussels Sprouts in Containers: Step-By-Step Planting Process for Beginners

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (3)

If you live in a cold winter, you will need to bring your potted plant indoors or grow it as an annual. The ideal temperature range for the growing Crown of Thorns is between 21 to 29°C. The Crown of Thorns can be grown as a houseplant in areas that do not experience freezing temperatures. The plant prefers warm temperatures and will not thrive if the temperature drops below 16°C. If you live in an area with cooler winters, you can grow Crown of Thorns in pots and bring the pots indoors when the temperature drops.

Water requirement for the growing Crown of Thorns in pots

When watering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Water deeply, but not too frequently. You may need to water once a week or less during the hottest summer months. In cooler months, every two weeks should be sufficient.

The Crown of Thorns is a drought-tolerant plant; however, it will grow faster and produce more flowers if given enough water. During the active growth period, water the Crown of Thorns deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between watering. If you are growing Crown of Thorns in pots, use a well-draining potting mix and bottom water or a drip irrigation system to avoid root rot.

Pot suitable for growing Crown of Thorns

As the Crown of Thorns matures, you’ll need to provide a larger pot. A container 18-24 inches in diameter will be suitable for a mature plant. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. You can keep your plant outdoors year-round if you live in a frost-free climate. However, if you experience freezing temperatures, you should bring your plant indoors for the winter months.

In case you missed it: Key Rules to Grow and Care for Patchouli: A Beginners Garden Guide

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (4)

Propagating Crown of Thorns

Propagating a Crown of Thorns plant is not difficult but does require patience and attention to detail. This plant can be a rewarding addition to any garden or home with the right care and maintenance. The beautiful flowers are sure to bring smiles to your home, making it well worth putting in the effort required for proper propagating. If you’re interested in propagating the Crown of Thorns plant, you need to know a few things.

First, it’s best to propagate the Crown of Thorns in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Second, take cuttings about 4-6 inches long and remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Next, allow the cuttings to callus by placing them in a dry spot for a few days. Once the cuttings are callused, insert them into a well-draining potting mix and lightly water. Keep the soil moist; you may see new growth within a few days.

Crown of Thorns plant care

Fertilizer requirement for the growing Crown of Thorns in pots

To fertilize the Crown of Thorns, you’ll need to purchase a high-phosphorus fertilizer. Phosphorus is key for encouraging blooming in plants. When you’re ready to fertilize, water the Crown of Thorns at its base and avoid getting any fertilizer on the leaves. Fertilizer requirements for the Crown of Thorns are not complicated. Be sure to follow the application rates on the fertilizer label, as too much fertilizer can burn the plant’s roots.

The Crown of Thorns is a drought-tolerant plant, so it does not need a lot of water. Watering should be done deeply and less frequently to encourage deep-root growth. If your Crown of Thorns plant is not growing as vigorously as it should be or if the leaves are yellowing, this signifies that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. Try using a higher-quality fertilizer or applying it more often.

Pruning Crown of Thorns plant

Pruning Crown of Thorns is important in keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. With proper care, your Crown of Thorns will thrive for many years. Crown of Thorns can be pruned at any time, but spring or summer is the best time. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves or stems as soon as you see them.

In case you missed it: How to Grow and Care for Pansies in Containers: A Beginners Guide

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (5)

Cut this back to just above a healthy bud or leaf node. You can also remove any excess growth crowding the plant or taking away from its overall appearance. Prune this back to a desired shape or size. After pruning, it’s important to fertilize your plant to encourage new growth. Use a balanced fertilizer specifically designed for the Crown of Thorns plants.

Pests and diseases of the Crown of Thorns and their control

Crown of Thorns is a beautiful but prickly succulent popular in warm climates. The Crown of Thorns does best in bright light but can tolerate some shade. It needs well-drained soil and does not like to sit in wet soil. The Crown of Thorns is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap out of plants. They can be controlled with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Fusarium wilt is a disease that affects the roots and stems of the Crown of Thorn plants. The plant will appear wilted and discolored, and the leaves will eventually drop off. Water the plant deeply but less frequently to control this disease and avoid over-fertilizing.

Powdery mildew is another common disease of the Crown of Thorns. This fungal disease causes the leaves to become covered in a white, powdery substance. It can be controlled by increasing air circulation around the plant and spraying the leaves with a fungicide. Gray mold is another fungal disease that can affect the crown of thorn plants.

This disease appears as gray or brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black and cause the leaves to disintegrate. Gray mold thrives in humid conditions, so keeping the area around your plant well-ventilated is important. You can also treat gray mold by spraying the affected areas with a fungicide.

In case you missed it: How to Grow and Care for Verbena in the Garden: A Beginners Guide

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (6)

Conclusion

Crown of Thorns can be quite rewarding to grow in pots if you have the correct information and potting medium. With proper care, your Crown of Thorns will flower for many years with just a little effort from you. These plants make great additions to container gardens and balconies as they are not too demanding and are proud colorful blooms that keep coming back year after year.

  • Winter Pruning Guide: Learn About Cutting Back Plants in Dormant Season
  • Ultimate Guide to Orchid Aerial Roots Care: Tips for Healthy Growth and Maintenance
  • Homemade Fertilizers for Squash: DIY Organic Fertilizers Recipe
  • Homemade Fertilizers for Asparagus: DIY Organic Fertilizers
  • Homemade Fertilizers for Zucchini: DIY Organic Fertilizers Recipe
  • Homemade Fertilizers for Rosemary: A Guide to DIY Organic Fertilizers
  • Homemade Fertilizers for Peas: DIY Organic Fertilizers for Pea Plants
  • Ultimate Guide to Using Epsom Salt for Potted Plants: Tips, Dosage, and Benefits
  • Expert Guide on How to Transplant Cucumber Seedlings for Maximum Harvest
  • Effective Fertilizer Management of Arecanut: A Comprehensive Guide
  • The Ultimate Guide to Growing Kagzi Lemons in Home Gardens
  • How to Grow Nectarine from Seed: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
  • Watermelon Fertilizer Schedule: Fertilization Based on Growth Stages
  • Ultimate Guide to Growing Aronia Berries: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices
  • Effective Strategies for Managing Mango Flowers to Boost Yields
  • Italian Plum Trees: A Comprehensive Guide for Varieties, Planting and Care
  • How to Prune a Weeping Mulberry Tree: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
  • How to Grow Boysenberries in a Pot: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
  • Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Tower Garden in Switzerland
  • How to Grow Pittosporum from Cuttings: Steps for Successful Cutting Propagation
  • The Rise of Tower Gardening in Austria: Elevating Urban Green Spaces with Vertical Farming
  • The Rise of Tower Gardening in Africa: Elevating Urban Green Spaces with Vertical Farming
  • Best Fertilizer for Coconut Trees: Application Guidelines for Coconut Palm
  • Nutrient Management for Tower Gardens: How to Mix Your Nutrients for Tower Farms
  • Vertical Tower Farming in Portugal: Sustainable Agriculture in Portugal Urban Areas
  • Vertical Farming with Tower Farms in Italy
  • Top 10 Steps to Growing Kentia Palm: How to Plant and Care Guide
  • Tips That Will Make You Utilize Your Garden More Often
  • How to Grow Cauliflower in Aeroponic Towers
  • How to Grow Leeks on Tower Gardens: Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners
  • Growing Carolina Reaper Chili Peppers on a Tower Garden Vertically
  • How to Propagate Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina): In Water, Cutting, Soil, Air, and Rooting Hormone
  • How to Propagate Monstera in Water
  • Steps to Growing Onions in Aquaponics: Explore from How to Plant to Harvest
  • How to Propagate Philodendron: With Water, Soil, Air, and Division
  • How to Propagate Calathea Plant: Ways to Grow from Water, Soil, Division, and Cuttings
How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots (2024)

FAQs

How to Grow and Care for the Crown of Thorns in Pots? ›

Place the container in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Crown of Thorns thrives in bright indirect light, so placing the container near a window with filtered light is ideal. Maintain the humidity by occasionally misting the cutting and monitoring the moisture levels in the propagation medium.

Do Crown of Thorns do well in pots? ›

Most types of crown of thorns can be kept in small containers to keep the plants more compact and will bloom even with restricted root room. Some of the hybrids need larger containers.

What is the potting mix for Crown of Thorns? ›

Mixing one part perlite (for drainage) with two parts organic potting soil (no added fertilizer) creates an excellent soil for your Euphorbia milii. Plants that are potted in the wrong mixture will initially do well but may later suffer from root rot associated with excess water retention in the soil.

What is the best plant food for Crown of Thorns? ›

Flourish your Crown of Thorns' blooms 🌸 with our no-guesswork fertilization guide—simple and effective! 10-10-10 NPK ratio ideal for blooming Crown of Thorns. Fertilize every 4-8 weeks in growing season; less in winter.

What kills crown of thorns? ›

Crown-of-thorns starfish control

On the Great Barrier Reef, we reduce outbreaks using a targeted COTS control program, with trained divers injecting the starfish with bile salt (made in the liver of oxen) or vinegar. This kills the starfish but doesn't harm the surrounding ecosystem.

When should I repot my crown of thorns plant? ›

The best time to repot your Crown of Thorns is during the spring. This season heralds a period of active growth, giving your plant the best chance to recover and thrive post-transplant.

How do you make crown of thorns bushy? ›

If you're in need of trimming crown of thorns, the good news is that this is a forgiving plant, and you can prune it however you like to create the desired size and shape. Two or three new branches will emerge at every pruned branch, creating a bushier, fuller plant.

Does crown of thorns like sun or shade? ›

Crown of Thorns grows best in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Because it does not like wet, cold soils or temperatures below 35 degrees F. It is an easy to grow indoor plant where it prefers a sunny location in soil-based potting mix.

Are crown of thorns hard to grow? ›

Crown of thorns is tough and easy-to-grow, so long as it has well-drained soil and plenty of light. It is drought tolerant and has no problem with the dry indoor air of winter. Place it in a south- or west-facing window. Remember that leaf drop is normal.

Where is the best place to plant Crown of Thorns? ›

To thrive and produce pretty flowers, a crown of thorns plant needs full sun. Place it by a window with at least four hours of bright, direct sunlight. Water crown of thorns plants when the soil is dry to a depth of an inch (2.5 cm). In winter, let the soil dry out down to two or three inches (5.0 to 7.5 cm).

How often should Crown of Thorns be watered? ›

Crown of Thorns needs 0.8 cups of water every 12 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Can Crown of Thorns take full sun? ›

It likes full sun or filtered shade. The crown of thorns is a slow-growing plant that needs well-draining, sandy soil. It is salt-tolerant and drought-resistant, but likes regular irrigation, especially during the summer months to prevent leaf drop.

Why are the leaves on my Crown of Thorns turning yellow? ›

Nutrient deficiencies like nitrogen, iron, and potassium cause yellow leaves. Watering habits matter: Too much or too little water leads to yellowing. Prevent pests and diseases with proper care and regular inspections.

Why are the leaves on my Crown of Thorns falling off? ›

Stop your Crown of Thorns from leaf loss 🍂 and nurture a flourishing plant with these essential care tips. Water wisely: Over/underwatering leads to leaf drop; check soil moisture. Stress factors: Light, temperature, and pests impact leaf health; manage them.

Where is the best place to plant crown of thorns? ›

Crown of Thorns grows best in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Because it does not like wet, cold soils or temperatures below 35 degrees F. It is an easy to grow indoor plant where it prefers a sunny location in soil-based potting mix.

Can crown of thorns take full sun? ›

It likes full sun or filtered shade. The crown of thorns is a slow-growing plant that needs well-draining, sandy soil. It is salt-tolerant and drought-resistant, but likes regular irrigation, especially during the summer months to prevent leaf drop.

Is crown of thorns a cactus or succulent? ›

Crown of thorns is a succulent but not a cactus. It is often confused with a cactus because it is a spiny shrub.

Can crown of thorns survive winter? ›

Basically, crown of thorns is treated like a cactus. Although it may be able to tolerate light frost, extended periods of cold below 35 degrees F. (2 C.) will result in a frost-bitten crown of thorns plant.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 6272

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.