If you take a look at the botanical name for the Crown of Thorns, *Euphorbia milii*, you’ll notice right away that it belongs to the *Euphorbia* family—commonly known as spurges. These plants are famous (or maybe infamous!) for being toxic in every single part, from the roots to the flowers. Because of that, you really need to handle this beauty with a bit of extra care.
The Toxins Inside the Crown of Thorns
The milky sap (latex) inside the plant contains a cocktail of substances that range from mildly irritating to quite toxic. Whenever you’re working with your plant, I highly recommend wearing a sturdy pair of gardening gloves. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s inside that sap:
- Alkaloids
- Diterpene esters
- Tannins
- Glycosides
- Ingenol
- Miliamines
- Polyphenones
- Saponins
- Terpenes
Symptoms of Poisoning
You should always be cautious around any spurge variety. With the Crown of Thorns, wearing thick gloves is a no-brainer just to avoid those sharp spines! If the plant gets a “wound” and that milky sap leaks out, it can cause nasty skin irritation or even painful blisters. If a curious pet (like a dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, or guinea pig) decides to nibble on the leaves or flowers, they might experience:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Lethargy or coma
- Signs of paralysis
- Kidney irritation
- Delayed reflexes
- Temporary blindness (if the sap gets into their eyes)
If your furry friend has eaten any part of the plant and shows these symptoms, get them to the vet right away.
How to Safely Enjoy Your Crown of Thorns
Despite its “thorny” reputation, this plant is a huge favorite because it’s so tough—it actually handles dry indoor heat during the winter like a champ! For the best results, keep yours in a bright, warm window. During the summer, it’s perfectly happy out in the garden or on the balcony, just as long as you give it a little shade during the scorching midday sun.
The golden rule for safety is to keep the plant out of reach of toddlers and pets. Kids are naturally curious, and those sharp thorns can cause a nasty poke. It’s also a good idea to keep little ones away while you’re repotting or pruning. For your own safety, always wear those heavy-duty gloves, and make sure to clean up and toss any plant clippings immediately so your herbivorous pets don’t find them later.
