The Crown of Thorns (scientifically known as *Euphorbia milii*) is a member of the spurge family and a close cousin to the Poinsettia. Originally from Madagascar, it’s become a huge favorite as a houseplant here in the States. The best part? It’s incredibly low-maintenance, making it a perfect choice for beginner plant parents. If you’ve fallen in love with yours, you’ll be happy to know that propagating the Crown of Thorns is a fun and rewarding DIY project.
Ways to Propagate Your Crown of Thorns
You can start a new plant from scratch using seeds or by taking cuttings. While both work, using cuttings is definitely the “fast track” method if you want to see results sooner.
Propagating with Cuttings
Since the Crown of Thorns handles pruning really well, spring is the perfect time to snip off a cutting. Find a healthy mother plant and use a sharp, clean knife to cut off a sturdy shoot about three to four inches long. Safety tip: Wear gardening gloves! This plant isn’t just prickly; the milky sap it leaks is toxic and can irritate your skin. Here’s how to prep your cutting:
- Place the cutting in a glass of water for a few minutes to let it “bleed” out the excess sap.
- Afterward, lay the cutting on a paper towel for a day or two to let the end dry out and callous over.
- While you wait, prep your pots with some seed-starting mix.
- You can also DIY your own mix by blending cactus soil with a bit of sand.
- Poke the cutting about an inch deep into the soil and give it a good watering.
- Place the pot in a bright, warm spot and keep the soil consistently (but lightly) moist.
- In about four weeks, your new plant should have a solid root system established.
Once it’s rooted, you can move your Crown of Thorns into a larger pot and treat it just like a mature plant. If you want a fuller, bushier look, try “pinching” the young plant by snipping the tips just above the fourth or fifth leaf. This encourages it to branch out rather than just growing straight up.
Growing Crown of Thorns from Seed
If you’re feeling patient, you can buy seeds from specialty garden shops. While this takes a bit longer, it’s usually just as successful as using cuttings. Plus, you can start seeds any time of year!
Fill a seed tray or small pot with starter soil and spread the seeds across the surface. Make sure to give them some breathing room so they aren’t crowded. Cover them with a very thin layer of soil and mist them well. I recommend using a spray bottle so you don’t accidentally wash the tiny seeds away. Finally, cover the container with clear plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Find a warm, bright spot for your seeds, but keep them out of direct sunlight so they don’t cook. Make sure to lift the plastic for a few minutes every day to let fresh air in and prevent mold. You should see sprouts in about four weeks. As soon as the little guys pop up, remove the plastic entirely. Once your new Crown of Thorns babies are about two inches tall, they’re ready to be moved into their own individual pots.
