How to Plant Euphorbia Milii

The Euphorbia milii is believed to be the plant that made the crown of thorns.

Known as the crown of thorns, the Euphorbia milii grows to a height of 3 feet. The plant's stems sport 1-inch-long thorns. The plant's oval leaves have a thick, leathery consistency. The tiny yellow flowers have red, yellow, salmon, pink or white bracts and appear in clusters. Its low water requirements make it a popular landscape plant choice for xeriscaping or use in areas with water restrictions. Dwarf cultivars are available.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Gloves
• Organic compost or peat moss

Instructions

1. Plant the Euphorbia milii in an area that receives full sunlight and offers well-draining soil. The plant does not tolerate a wet root system.

2. Space the Euphorbia milii at least 2 feet apart when planting. The plant requires adequate air circulation to thrive.

3. Dig a hole that is twice as large as the plant's root system and mix in organic compost or peat moss. The soil should have a crumbly consistency when touched.

4. Place the Euphorbia milii in the planting hole at the same soil level it was planted in its nursery container. Push the soil around the plant's root system and firm to remove air pockets.

5. Water the base of the Euphorbia milii after planting. Avoid getting the foliage and stems of the plant wet. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plant is established. Once established, it tolerates drought well.

Tips & Warnings

• The Euphorbia milii produces flowers year round.

• Propagate the Euphorbia milii by cutting a stem, allowing it to dry for two days and then placing it potting medium, according to Desert Tropicals.

• The plant can tolerate light midday shading.

• The Euphorbia milii grows well in a rock garden setting.

• The Euphorbia milii grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 11. It does not tolerate frost.

• The plant is toxic if consumed so plant away from areas frequented by livestock, pets or children.

• Wear gloves when handling the Euphorbia milii because the plant's milky sap can cause skin irritation.

• Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between waterings once the Euphorbia milii establishes itself.

References

• University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Crown-of-Thorns
• Desert Tropicals: Crown of Thorns
• Floridata: Euphorbia Milii
• Texas A&M University System: Euphorbia Milii
• University of Oklahoma Department of Biology and Microbiology: Euphorbia Milii
• University of Vermont: Euphorbia Milii

Resources

• North Carolina State University: Euphorbia Milii