The thorn of Christ likes it warm, so it doesn't mind dry heating air. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider when planting.
The Christ's Thorn (Euphorbia milii) is a plant native to Madagascar and is related to the poinsettia. Euphorbia milii got its trivial name because of the thorns, which are reminiscent of the crown of thorns of Christ. The Christ Thorn occurs naturally in a few species, but many more new breeds are in circulation. Differences can be seen in the size of the leaves and in the color of the flowers. The Christ's thorn is extremely popular as a decorative houseplant, as it manages to be in full bloom even in the cold season. You can now find out in detail what you should consider when planting this attractive and particularly easy-care houseplant.
Find the right location
In order for the Christ's thorn to develop numerous flowers and grow luxuriantly, it should receive at least a few hours of sunlight per day. A place in full shade would be extremely disadvantageous. The plant is more satisfied with a semi-shady location. A location on the windowsill can be maintained all year round, because in contrast to most indoor plants, the Christ's thorn is downright grateful for the dry heating air in winter. This can be explained by the natural home of the plant. Madagascar has a tropical climate all year round and the thermometer rarely drops below 25 degrees.
Tip: The plants thrive best in a south-facing window with full sun.
The plant can also spend the summer on the balcony or terrace. However, the change of location should not be abrupt, but rather gradual. Especially if the plant has previously been cultivated in partial shade, the Christ's thorn should be gradually acclimated to full sun exposure outdoors.
The ideal location at a glance:
- sunny to semi-shady
- warm all year round
- dry heating air is welcome
The ideal substrate for planting Christ Thorn
When choosing the substrate, the Christ's thorn is quite undemanding. The tropical plants thrive in conventionalFlower or cactus soil. To make the soil more permeable and thus less prone to waterlogging, clay granules can be mixed into the soil.
Tip: After purchase, the thorn should be repotted in order to obtain a suitable, nutrient-rich substrate.
Make sure there are enough drainage holes in the bottom of the planter, because the thorn of Christ does not tolerate waterlogging. Clay or gravel drainage prevents waterlogging.
An overview of the right substrate:
- Potting Soil
- Cactus soil
- loose, permeable and rich in nutrients
Planting the thorn - step by step
- choose the right planter
- find a suitable location
- Place drainage made of gravel or clay granules in the planter
- Prepare and fill substrate
- Insert plant carefully
- Fill cavities by gently shaking
- Press the ground
- Water the plant well
Exuberant flowering through Short days
After planting, the optimal location is sought. Every indoor gardener has the goal of cultivating flowering plants. In order to correspond to the thorn of Christ in this respect, the plant has to step back for a few weeks. On these "short days" the plant should not get more than ten hours of light per day. After ten hours of exposure to light, the thorn of Christ is covered with a piece of cardboard. In this way, the conditions prevailing in the original home will be brought about and the flower will be able to develop on these “short days”.
The ideal winter location for the thorn of Christ
The plant will not be damaged if it adorns the flower window in the living room all year round. At room temperature, the thorn needs a sunny and bright location. The plant benefits from the fact that it can tolerate dry heating air well.
It is also possible to overwinter the Christ's thorn at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees cooler. Cooler overwintered plants are also content with partial shade. In the natural home of the thorn of Christ, it is not summer and winter that determine the rhythm, but the rainy season and dry season. The drought that then sets in can be equated with hibernation. Watering almost ceases in winter. Only water the plant sporadically to prevent the root ball from drying out completely.
Tip: Plants that are cultivated all year round at room temperature are less robust and tend to rot and grow wilted.
Thorn of Christ:. the bestPlanting tips at a glance
| Measure | Explanation |
| Select location | » A location in full sun is ideal for growth and flowering. » Dry heating air is very good for the plant. » On warm summer days, a place outside is also fine. » A cooler location is preferable in winter. |
| Substrate | » It can be planted in potting or cactus soil. » It should be good quality, nutrient-rich soil. » Install clay or gravel drainage to prevent waterlogging. |
| Plant out | » Planters with sufficient drainage holes are required. » The planters should not be too large, as the plants will then develop more roots instead of flowers. » The plant should be used carefully. » By gently shaking the planter, cavities in the root area are avoided. |
Christ's thorn - caution poisonous!
If you plant the Christ's thorn, do not do so without due care. Get gloves ready, the spurge is poisonous. With the slightest injury to the plant, the white plant sap begins to exude the milkweed. Skin contact may cause irritation. The mucous membranes can also be damaged by the plant substances.
Caution: Wear gloves when planting the Christ Thorn. If the sap gets on your skin, wash it off immediately.
If there are small animals or small children in the household, special caution is required. Place the plants out of the reach of children and pets. A closed flower window is ideal.