Euphorbia milii
Also known as: Crown of thorns
Crown of thorns: thorny stems with teardrop leaves and year-round red/pink bract 'flowers'. It belongs to the Euphorbia genus, comes from Madagascar, stays around Shrub 0.6–1.2 m, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below 10 °C for best growth. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Euphorbia
- Origin: Madagascar
- Mature size: Shrub 0.6–1.2 m
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below 10 °C for best growth
- Toxicity: ⚠️ Milky sap irritant; toxic if eaten
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Euphorbia
- Origin
- Madagascar
- Mature size
- Shrub 0.6–1.2 m
- Growth habit
- Spiny climbing stems with teardrop leaves
- Leaf colour
- Thorny stems with teardrop leaves
- Flower colour
- Red/pink/yellow bracts year-round
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below 10 °C for best growth
- Toxicity
- ⚠️ Milky sap irritant; toxic if eaten
- Other names
- Crown of thorns
About the Euphorbia milii
Crown of thorns: thorny stems with teardrop leaves and year-round red/pink bract 'flowers'. A Madagascar native blooming nearly continuously in bright light. The milky sap is a skin/eye irritant — prune with gloves.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining gritty mix with bright light and morning sun. Water deeply only when bone dry. Remove spent stalks and dried lower leaves; handle leaves by the stem to protect the farina. Light: Bright light with morning sun; colour deepens with light. Water: Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Soil: Fast-draining cactus mix, 50% grit.
Description
Euphorbia milii is a Euphorbia succulent from Madagascar. Crown of thorns: thorny stems with teardrop leaves and year-round red/pink bract 'flowers'. A Madagascar native blooming nearly continuously in bright light. The milky sap is a skin/eye irritant — prune with gloves.
Identification
Key identification features: Thorny stems with teardrop leaves leaves in a Spiny climbing stems with teardrop leaves form, reaching Shrub 0.6–1.2 m. Also known as Crown of thorns. Nickname: 'Crown of thorns'. Nickname: 'Crown of thorns'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Euphorbia milii?
Soak-and-dry; every 10–14 days in growth. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.
Is Euphorbia milii toxic to pets?
⚠️ Milky sap irritant; toxic if eaten. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Euphorbia milii, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.