{"product_id":"euphorbia-milii-crown-of-thorns-coral-copy","title":"Euphorbia milii – Crown of Thorns (Coral)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuphorbia milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Crown of Thorns (Coral)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou will receive this exact, large, mature specimen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFeatures coral blooms as shown on our larger specimen in the last photo.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasures \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15\" tall above the soil line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and is already branching out beautifully!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShowcased here in Handmade Pottery — Volcanic Mosaic Basin No. 98 (sold separately).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoots as shown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWill be shipped bare root.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌵\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuphorbia milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commonly known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrown of Thorns\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, is one of Madagascar's most recognizable succulent Euphorbias—a wonderfully contradictory plant combining fiercely armed stems with delicate, almost luminous flowers. What appear to be petals are actually colorful bracts surrounding the plant's tiny true flowers, or cyathia. In this coral-flowering selection, those bracts bring a warm wash of color to the plant's otherwise rugged architecture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elarge, mature specimen standing approximately 15\" tall above the soil line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with an established central framework that has already begun branching beautifully. Mature woody stems, fresh green foliage, formidable paired spines, and repeated branching give older \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e considerably more character than the compact flowering plants commonly encountered at garden centers. With continued growth, this specimen should become increasingly shrubby and architectural.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e☀️ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery bright light to full sun. Strong light encourages compact growth, abundant flowering, and sturdy stems. Plants grown with insufficient light may become elongated and flower less freely. Acclimate gradually to intense direct sunlight after shipping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e💧 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater thoroughly during active growth, then allow the soil to dry substantially before watering again. Although \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e appreciates somewhat more regular moisture during active growth than many extremely xeric Euphorbias, it should never remain continuously wet. Reduce watering considerably during cooler periods or when growth slows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🪨 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRequires a fast-draining succulent mix with generous mineral content. Pumice, lava, coarse grit, and similar inorganic materials help maintain excellent root aeration. Avoid heavy, dense, or persistently damp soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌡️ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrives in warmth and should be protected from frost. Growth and flowering are strongest during warm weather, while cool temperatures generally slow the plant considerably. During colder periods, keep the root zone substantially drier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌬️ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHumidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdaptable to moderate humidity when provided with good drainage and air circulation, but prolonged cool, damp conditions should be avoided. Warmth, strong light, and airflow help maintain healthy foliage and stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📈 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDevelops into a densely branched, woody succulent shrub armed with prominent spines and carrying leaves primarily toward actively growing stem tips. With age, individual branches become increasingly woody and sculptural while repeated branching creates a broad, irregular crown. Under favorable conditions, established plants can flower repeatedly through much of the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✍️ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecial Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe showy \"flowers\" of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuphorbia milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are not conventional petals. The tiny true Euphorbia flowers are contained within specialized structures called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecyathia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while the conspicuous coral-colored portions surrounding them are modified leaves known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebracts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. These long-lasting bracts are responsible for the spectacular floral display for which Crown of Thorns is grown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs with all Euphorbias, damaged stems and leaves release a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emilky latex sap that is irritating to skin and eyes and should not be ingested\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The plant is also heavily armed with sharp spines. Handle carefully when repotting and keep sap away from eyes, mouth, children, and pets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as you will receive the exact plant shown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy It Stands Out\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLarge, mature \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15\" specimen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful coral-flowering selection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlready developing an impressive branched structure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature woody succulent stems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDramatic combination of foliage, flowers, and formidable spines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarm coral bracts surrounding the tiny true flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapable of repeated flowering under favorable conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncreasingly architectural with age\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadagascar native\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished root system\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent specimen for continued development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe exact plant shown here\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuphorbia milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadagascar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an island whose long geographic isolation has produced one of the world's great concentrations of unusual succulent plants. The species belongs to an extraordinary Malagasy radiation of Euphorbias that includes everything from compact geophytes and medusoid forms to heavily armed shrubs and tree-like succulents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe specific epithet \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003emilii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e honors \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaron Pierre Bernard Milius\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a French naval officer and colonial administrator associated with Réunion who introduced the plant into cultivation in France in the early nineteenth century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts much more familiar common name—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrown of Thorns\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—comes from the plant's dense covering of formidable spines and a long-standing association with the crown described in the Christian Passion narrative. There is no reliable botanical evidence establishing that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was actually the plant used for that purpose; the common name reflects tradition rather than documented historical provenance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanically, the plant is fascinating even without the legend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat appears at first to be a fairly conventional flowering shrub is actually constructed according to the unusual floral architecture characteristic of the genus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuphorbia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The colorful coral structures are bracts rather than petals. At their center sit the highly reduced true flowers, organized within the specialized cup-like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecyathium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e unique to Euphorbias and their close relatives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plant's stems tell another story.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYoung growth carries green leaves alongside sharp spines, but as the stems age, leaves are naturally concentrated toward newer growth while older portions become woody and increasingly bare. Over years, branching produces a network of twisting, heavily armed stems that can look remarkably different from the small, densely foliated Crown of Thorns commonly sold as flowering houseplants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat mature structure is already beginning to emerge in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethis specimen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15\" tall above the soil line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it has moved well beyond the scale of a small starter plant. Its established framework is dividing into multiple branches, creating the beginnings of the irregular shrubby crown characteristic of older \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. As those branches continue to extend and divide, the contrast between bare armored stems, fresh foliage, and brilliant coral bracts should become increasingly dramatic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is that combination that has kept \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuphorbia milii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in cultivation for generations: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epart flowering shrub, part succulent, part thorny architecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd this large, established specimen already carries all three.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shangri-Ha Cactus Ranch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50581361066223,"sku":"EU411","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/5014\/5519\/files\/Euphorbiamilii_CrownofThorns_Coral_-RareSucculent0826261b.jpg?v=1787756679","url":"https:\/\/shangrihacactusranch.com\/products\/euphorbia-milii-crown-of-thorns-coral-copy","provider":"Shangri-Ha Cactus Ranch","version":"1.0","type":"link"}