The Crown of Thorns is a total favorite for indoor gardeners, and it’s easy to see why—it’s low-maintenance and puts on a beautiful floral show. If you’ve ever looked at the price tag on a large, mature specimen at the nursery, though, you know they aren’t exactly cheap! The good news? You can easily grow your own collection without spending a dime. Whether you want to try your hand at starting from seed or taking cuttings, here’s how to propagate your Crown of Thorns like a pro.
Growing from Seed
To get started, you’ll need to pick up some seeds from a reputable supplier. Grab a shallow seed tray and fill it with a high-quality seed-starting mix. Spread your seeds evenly across the surface, lightly dust them with a bit more soil, and cover the whole tray with some plastic wrap. This creates a mini-greenhouse effect, keeping things warm and humid to help those seeds wake up.
Place your tray in a warm, bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight so you don’t cook the seedlings. Make sure to lift the plastic wrap for a few minutes every day to let in some fresh air and prevent mold. You should see the first little sprouts popping up in about three to four weeks. Once they appear, ditch the plastic wrap. When your seedlings are a few inches tall, move them into their own individual pots and start treating them like the “grown-up” plants they are!
Propagating with Cuttings
The easiest way to get new plants is by taking cuttings, especially during your spring pruning. Look for healthy shoots about 3 to 4 inches long. A quick safety tip: always wear gardening gloves! This plant has sharp thorns and a milky sap that can be irritating. Also, make sure your shears are sterilized to keep everything healthy.
- Strip off all the leaves from your cutting, leaving just a few at the very tip.
- To stop the sap from leaking, dip the cut end into a glass of lukewarm water for about 30 minutes.
- After its “bath,” let the cutting air dry thoroughly for a day or two so the end can callus over.
- While you wait, prep your soil. A 50/50 mix of peat and sand (or perlite) works great, or you can just grab a bag of commercial succulent mix.
- Stick your cuttings in the soil and place them in a warm (around 75°F), bright spot away from harsh, direct sun.
- Keep the soil just barely moist. Be careful not to overwater, or the cuttings might rot before they can root.
- In about 5 to 8 weeks, your new plants should have a solid root system. At this point, you can repot them into a more permanent home.
- Care for your young Crown of Thorns just like your mature plants.
- Once the plant is established and growing well, try pinching off the tips above the fourth or fifth leaf. This encourages the plant to branch out, giving you a much fuller, bushier look!
