How to Care for Your Crown of Thorns Plant Like a Pro
If you lack a green thumb, you may feel that you're relegated to only caring for philodendrons or air plants–options that don't bloom. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Crown of thorns are a variety of succulent that has gorgeous flowering seasons, not dissimilar to orchids, and they are surprisingly easy to care for. With some direct sunlight and maybe a self-watering pot, you too can have this stunning plant thrive on your window sash.
What are crown of thorns?
Native to Madagascar, crown of thorns are a variety of blooming succulent. Their bright green leaves will remain year-round, but their red flowers come and go with the seasons. Their thick steam is covered with barbs, so you might need to be careful when handling this plant. They can be kept indoors, or you can plant them outside if you live in a sunny, warm place.
When do crown of thorns bloom?
With the proper care and nutrients, a crown of thorns plant can have intermittent blooms all year round. That being said, the flowers are typically seen during the springtime. The more sun they receive, the more blooms you may see. Red flowers are very common for crown of thorns, but you can also find white, pink, and orange varieties, to name a few.
How much water do crown of thorns need?
Due to their native habitat in Madagascar, crown of thorns are a drought-resistant variety–similar to most succulents–and don't require much watering. You should make sure that the soil is completely dry before adding more water. Because this plant is susceptible to root rot, less is more. In the winter, this plant will require a lot less watering than during hot summer days.
How much light do crown of thorns need?
Crown of Thorns require a good amount of light. They do best with direct sunlight, so south-facing windows are ideal. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to move them to a more diffused-light zone for a few hours a day.
Can you propagate crown of thorns?
You can absolutely propagate your crown of thorns plant. Experts recommend doing this in the spring or summer, when new growth comes in. Cut a few inches off from the stem, allow the cutting to dry out for a few days, and then re-plant them in a warm place out of direct sunlight. However, you may want to invest in some gloves while doing this to avoid getting pricked by the thorns or having the latex sap irritate your skin.
Should you prune crown of thorns?
Pruning should be done at the end of the season to encourage new growth. However, just as with pruning, do your best to keep the latex sap and prickly thorns away from your skin. When left untouched, a crown of thorns plant can grow up to six feet tall and two feet wide. By cutting away older leaves, this will keep the plant a manageable size.
Are crown of thorns pet-safe?
Crown of thorns are not pet safe when ingested, so be sure to keep them away from your furry friends.
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