When is the best time to repot the Christ Thorn? What do I have to consider with the planter and what are the special features of hydroponics? All answers here.
The Christ's Thorn (Euphorbia milii) is a feast for the eyes at every window. In winter you will be envied for the splendor of the flowers. A few care measures are necessary so that the tropical plant really feels at home in the living room at home and acknowledges this with magnificent growth and lush flowers. This primarily includes repotting the thorn of Christ when it is time to do so. This article also takes a close look at what equipment you need for the repotting and what needs to be considered in hydroponics.
When should the Christ Thorn be repotted?
If you take a closer look at the plant, it will quickly become clear when repotting is due. If you lift the plant out of the planter and you will already see a network of roots, which swells out of the plant pot, the transplanting should not be delayed any longer.
Even if the roots are only visible at the bottom edge of the pot, repotting is imminent. The roots have often already filled the entire plant pot and there is not much left to see from your own substrate. This means that the plant can no longer expand and also that there is no longer sufficient substrate and therefore no nutrients are available.
At what intervals is repotting due?
This varies as young plants grow faster and should be given a new but not significantly larger planter annually.
Tip: If the plants are placed in remarkably large planters, the Christ's thorn concentrates on developing the roots. This can be at the expense of flowering.
Older plants no longer need to be repotted annually. Check the planter as described and decide on a case-by-case basis.
When is the right time to repot?
The Christ Thorn can be repotted after the hibernation. Then the plants receive sufficient nutrients after the dry phase and can look forward to the sprouting and theflower formation.
What substrate should be used?
The Christ Thorn thrives in potting soil or cactus soil. Sand can be added to make the substrate more permeable. Since the plants do not tolerate waterlogging, drainage made of clay granules or gravel can help prevent waterlogging.
Which planter to use?
Use the old planter as a guide. The new plant pot should not be significantly larger than its predecessor. The root ball should not be pressed into a small plant pot either. Leave about two centimeters of space between the plant and the edge of the planter.
What is important about the new plant pot?
In addition to the size, it is particularly important that there are sufficient drainage holes in the planter. Drainage made of clay granules or gravel on the bottom of the container makes sense to prevent waterlogging.
What is needed for repotting?
- Work Gloves
- Substrate
- new planter
- Underlay
- Knife
Repotting the thorn of Christ - step by step
- Place the plant on a support
- provide new planter
- Put on gloves
- Carefully remove the thorn from the old planter
- Check root ball
- remove damaged root parts
- Insert drainage into the planter
- Insert plant
- Preserving roots
- Fill in substrate
- Prevent cavities by repeated pressing
- Water the plant
Overview of advantages and disadvantages of repotting
| Advantages | Cons |
| » The plant gets a larger planter and thus more space to grow. » The roots can expand better again. » The vigour, and the joy of flowering, are increased by the associated with transplanting exchange of soil suggested. | » Young plants should be transplanted annually. » A larger planter is needed. |
Don't forget gloves - transplanting with pitfalls
The spines of the Christ's Thorn will probably tempt you to wear gloves or use newspaper when transplanting anyway. Gloves should become an integral part of your equipment and should always be at hand when it comes to transplanting the Christ's thorn. The spurge tends to release a white, poisonous sap from the slightest injuryto deliver.Tip: In addition to protecting yourself, make sure that small children and pets are not involved in your transplant campaign.
The Christ Thorn in Hydroponics
The plant is very suitable for hydroponics. Anyone who has already purchased a plant in hydroponics need not worry too much about transplanting. Hydroponics relies on inorganic material such as coir or perlite.
Tip: The root system of hydroponic plants is special. The plants form little branched water roots, which prove to be quite resistant to waterlogging.
Placing a young plant in hydroponics after growth
If young plants were grown using cuttings or seeds, they usually develop quite quickly and have to be transplanted into larger planters. The plants do not have to take a detour via potting soil, they can be put into hydroponics immediately.
Converting an older plant from soil to hydro
A Christ's Thorn that has already been cultivated in potting soil is difficult to adapt to hydroponics. The old substrate must be completely removed. It is best to clean the roots under running water. Allow the plant to dry out for a few hours before placing it in hydro substrate.
Help waterlogging - repotting is a must
Not only when the planter is no longer sufficient and the roots have already made their way out of the planter, is it time to transplant the Christ's thorn. If too much water has been poured over a longer period of time and the irrigation water cannot flow out of the plant pot, waterlogging occurs and the roots begin to rot after a short time. To save the plant, you have to act quickly. The size of the plant pot does not necessarily have to be changed. The complete replacement of the substrate is crucial.