# Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

> Native to Madagascar, Euphorbia milii is a resilient, semi-succulent shrub characterized by dense, woody stems armed with prominent sharp spines. It is widely cultivated for its vibrant, petal-like floral bracts that can bloom continuously throughout the year under warm conditions. The plant exudes an irritating, milky white latex sap when damaged, typical of the Euphorbiaceae family.

- **Scientific Name:** *Euphorbia milii*
- **Botanical Family:** Euphorbiaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** +2°C (USDA Zone 10a); frost-tender, susceptible to leaf drop below 10°C and must be protected from freezing temperatures.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/euphorbia-milii
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/euphorbia-milii.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_euphorbia_milii.webp?v=1794128457

## Light & Sun Exposure

Prefers bright light with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun exposure is essential for prolific, year-round blooming and to prevent the stems from becoming leggy.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Utilize the soak-and-dry method. Allow at least the top two-thirds of the potting mix to dry out thoroughly between waterings, and significantly scale back irrigation during the winter months.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% porous mineral grit (pumice, crushed lava rock, coarse perlite) + 40% well-draining cactus peat or potting soil.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

+2°C (USDA Zone 10a); frost-tender, susceptible to leaf drop below 10°C and must be protected from freezing temperatures.

## Propagation Methods

Propagated by stem cuttings. Dip cut ends briefly into cold water to halt milky sap flow, allow the wound to callous for 2–3 days, then insert into barely moist gritty substrate.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Dikenler Tacı (Euphorbia milii)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/euphorbia-milii.md)
- [DE: Christusdorn (Euphorbia milii)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/euphorbia-milii.md)
- [ES: Corona de Cristo (Euphorbia milii)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/euphorbia-milii.md)