Plant Care

Light Requirements: Provide bright light with several hours of direct sunlight each day. Strong light encourages healthy growth and flowering.

Water Requirements: Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain completely. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.

Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage excessive leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice.

Temperature: Prefers temperatures around 65–85°F. Protect from frost, freezing temperatures, and cold drafts.

Pet Safety: Toxic and irritating if ingested. The milky sap can irritate skin and eyes, and the sharp thorns can cause injury.

Humidity: Average household humidity is suitable. Crown of Thorns does well in relatively dry indoor conditions.

Growth Habit: A branching, woody-stemmed succulent covered with sharp spines and small leaves. Colorful flowers appear along the stems under good growing conditions.