The popular Crown of Thorns hails from the tropical regions of Madagascar. In its native home, there are really only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. If you want your Crown of Thorns to truly thrive, you’ll want to mimic that natural rhythm as closely as possible. The easiest way to do this is to treat our winter as its “dry season” and our spring and summer as its “rainy season.”
The Dry Season for Your Crown of Thorns
In our part of the world, winter is the perfect time to give your Crown of Thorns its dry period. During these weeks, the plant enters a state of “dry dormancy” rather than a typical winter hibernation. For about four to six weeks, you should move it to a slightly cooler spot and cut back on watering. You don’t want the soil to turn into a desert, though—make sure the substrate doesn’t dry out completely. During this time, the plant needs a maximum of ten hours of daylight and absolutely no fertilizer. It’s super important not to skip this dry phase; without a period of low water, the plant usually won’t bloom.
Life After the Dry Period
Once spring rolls around and the threat of night frost has passed—and daytime temps are comfortably in the double digits—your Crown of Thorns can head outdoors. It loves a warm, sunny spot. Just keep an eye on the humidity; if it gets too muggy, the plant can develop mildew. While it loves the sun, it does have its limits. If temperatures soar above 85-90°F (30°C) in midsummer, the plant might start to struggle, so it’s best to bring it back into a cooler indoor environment. As soon as autumn hits and night temperatures dip below 60°F (15°C), it’s time for the plant to move back inside for good.
Of course, you can also keep your Crown of Thorns indoors year-round on a bright windowsill. Just remember to move it to a cooler room when it’s time for its dry dormancy.
Finding the Perfect Indoor Spot
The Crown of Thorns is actually a champ at handling the dry air produced by heaters during the winter. Here’s what it looks for in a living room spot:
- Very bright and warm
- Can handle full, direct sun
- Temperatures should stay above 65°F (18°C)
- A south-facing window is the gold standard
- Partial shade is okay, but you’ll need to water less and expect fewer flowers
- Avoid standing water at all costs, or the roots will start to rot
If your Crown of Thorns isn’t happy with its location, it’ll let you know by turning its leaves yellow. Usually, just moving it to a better spot does the trick!
