Crown of Thorns

Botanical Name: Euphorbia milii

Common Names: Crown of Thorns, Christ Plant, Christ’s Thorn

Description:

The Crown of Thorns is a bold, sun-loving stunner with serious character. This deciduous, herbaceous perennial shrub features bright green leaves paired with tiny, greenish flowers that are surrounded by long-lasting, eye-catching bracts in shades of red or yellow. (Those colorful “flowers” you admire? Technically bracts—nature’s marketing department working overtime.)

Its growth habit is loose, spiny, and delightfully irregular, with thick, dark spines lining its woody stems—equal parts beautiful and “look, don’t touch.” Native to Madagascar, this plant can reach an impressive 5–6 feet outdoors in its natural habitat. As a houseplant in the U.S., it stays more polite, typically topping out around 2–3 feet.

Historically associated with the Middle East, the Crown of Thorns earned its name from the belief that similar thorny stems were used in Christ’s crown—giving this plant both visual drama and a story to tell. Tough, resilient, and unapologetically spiky, it’s perfect for plant parents who love a little edge with their blooms.

🌿 Fleurish Tip:

This plant thrives on bright light and a little neglect. Respect the spines, don’t overwater, and let it live its bold, sun-soaked life. Strong plant, strong boundaries. Keep Fleurishing. 💚