How to Prune a Crown of Thorns
The crown of thorns bush presents a riot of contradictions. The harsh name derives from some very real spikes on its branches, yet its outward appearance, particularly when it has been well-tended and pruned, more closely resembles an arrangement of bay laurel foliage and springtime impatiens. It should come as no surprise, then, that it is commonly regarded as a Christmas plant. Crown of thorns, or Euphorbia milli, is an evergreen shrub that is also often grown as a houseplant. Its size depends on its environment. Grown as a shrub under ideal conditions, it generally grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Pruning
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Prune every 2 to 3 years during cool, dry weather.
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Carefully examine your plant and decide on a pruning strategy. Crown of thorns can tolerate aggressive pruning, so consider removing about 1/3 of the branches to promote additional branching and new growth.
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Select branches that detract from the overall shape of the plant or seem to be growing at wrong angles.
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Clip away thorns on the parts of the plant you need to handle during pruning.
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Snip branches just above a bud or lateral branch.
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Spritz the cut ends of branches with water to slow the sap flow.
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Tips & Warnings
It is not necessary to discard tip cuttings when you prune a crown of thorns. Instead, dip the cut ends in commercial rooting hormone and let them dry for 24 hours before inserting in damp potting mix or seed starter.
If your plant has become open and leggy, cut back even more. New growth will soon emerge just above the cuts and will develop rapidly, provided the plant receives adequate sun, nourishment, and water.
Use sharp clean pruning tools to avoid damaging or infecting your plant.
The sap secreted when crown of thorns is pruned can be irritating. Wear garden gloves to protect from both sap and thorns and wash your hands and arms thoroughly with soap and water when you are finished.
