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What is a Crown of Thorns Plant?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

The crown of thorns plant, or Euphorbia splendens, is a succulent, woody, perennial shrub most often used as a decorative plant for its clusters of small flowers. As the name suggests, the stem of this plant is densely covered in thorny spikes, each up to a half-inch (1.27 cm) long. Unlike most succulents, the plant grows bright green leaves that will last for a few months before dropping off.

Crown of thorns plants continue to blossom through much of the year, often lasting from summer through fall. The plants might produce pink, white, red or yellow flowers, sprouting in clusters from new growth at the ends of branches. These flowers do not have any scent.

Specimens typically reach a height of about 3 feet (0.9 m), and plants measuring more than 6 feet (1.8 m) are not uncommon. Branches typically spread about 1 foot (.3 m). Shorter dwarf plants suitable for indoor growth are widely available as well.

Many people assume that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made from the crown of thorns plant.
Many people assume that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made from the crown of thorns plant.

Native to Madagascar, the crown of thorns plant thrives in a hot, arid climate with plenty of direct sunlight. It does not do well in cooler regions, and temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) will cause the plant’s leaves to fall off prematurely. Gardeners in cold areas grow these plants in containers or as houseplants.

Water also can be a problem for this plant. When over-watered, the branches of the crown of thorns plant might become spongy, and its leaves might turn yellow. For best results, proper drainage is essential, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Less water is required when the plant is not in bloom.

The crown of thorns plant is native to Madagascar.
The crown of thorns plant is native to Madagascar.

The plant has common names such as Christ’s thorn or Christ’s crown, so many people assume that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made from the crown of thorns plant. This seems unlikely however, because the plant is not believed to have been known in the Mediterranean region at that time. Experts continue to debate the source of Jesus’ crown of thorns, with the Jerusalem thorn a likely possibility.

All portions of the crown of thorns plant are poisonous and are dangerous to humans and to many other animals. These plants should not be grown where pets, grazing animals or even small children might take a nibble. Gloves also are a good idea when handling the plant. Not only are the thorns likely to pierce unprotected skin, the plant’s sap also can cause skin irritation and inflammation similar to a poison ivy reaction.

Discussion Comments

honeybees

I agree with the other comments and don't think I would go out of my way to grow a crown of thorns. I don't have much of a green thumb, but it would be my luck that this plant would survive while all the others would not.

I have tried growing a flowering cactus that sounds similar to this plant. My problem was I watered it too much and it finally died.

Even when I was watering it and trying to be careful, there were a couple times when I got pricked. I wasn't too sad when it died, and haven't gone to the trouble of replacing it to try again.

For me, the best house plants are those that can take quite a bit of abuse and still keep on growing.

LisaLou

I remember once when my grandma was growing a crown of thorns plant in her house. Every time we were at her house, she cautioned us not to touch it.

For a kid that is kind of like daring them to do it. My brother didn't listen and he pricked his finger and drew blood when he touched the plant. Fortunately he didn't have any other kind of reaction, but we all learned the lesson from him.

I was there one time when it was in bloom, and even as a kid, I thought the bright pink blooms were pretty. I kept my distance from that plant after what happened to my brother though.

There are so many other beautiful indoor plants to choose from, that I would rather not worry about something that can be so dangerous.

golf07

The crown of thorns sounds like an interesting plant, but I am wondering why someone would want something like this for an indoor house plant?

If it is poisonous and needs to be kept away from children and pets, I see no reason to even worry about trying to grow one.

I have seen pictures of them when they are in bloom and they are quite beautiful, but I don't think I would want one in my house. Cactus are also beautiful when in bloom, and hard to handle, but as far as I know, they aren't poisonous.

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    • Many people assume that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made from the crown of thorns plant.
      By: nickolae
      Many people assume that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made from the crown of thorns plant.
    • The crown of thorns plant is native to Madagascar.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      The crown of thorns plant is native to Madagascar.