What To Know
- The crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a beautiful and easy-care succulent that adds a touch of exoticism to any home.
- Center the crown of thorns in the pot and fill in the remaining soil around the roots.
- By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your prickly beauty thrives and continues to add a touch of exotic charm to your home.
The crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a beautiful and easy-care succulent that adds a touch of exoticism to any home. However, like all plants, it requires occasional repotting to ensure its continued health and growth. This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on how to repot crown of thorns, including tips and tricks for ensuring a successful transplant.
Preparing for Repotting
1. Choose the Right Pot:
Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with drainage holes at the bottom. Terracotta or ceramic pots are ideal as they allow for good drainage and aeration.
2. Prepare the Soil:
Crown of thorns prefer well-draining soil. Use a cactus or succulent potting mix or create your own by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
Repotting Process
3. Remove the Crown of Thorns from Its Current Pot:
Gently squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the roots. Carefully slide the plant out, taking care not to damage the stems or roots.
4. Check the Roots:
Inspect the roots for any signs of rot or damage. Trim away any dead or damaged roots using clean, sharp scissors.
5. Place the Crown of Thorns in the New Pot:
Fill the new pot with soil to about one-third of its height. Center the crown of thorns in the pot and fill in the remaining soil around the roots.
6. Firm the Soil:
Gently press down on the soil to firm it around the roots. Avoid overcompacting the soil, as this can restrict root growth.
7. Water Sparingly:
After repotting, water the crown of thorns sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Post-Repotting Care
8. Provide Bright Light:
Crown of thorns thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them in a location that receives plenty of sunlight without direct exposure to the sun’s rays.
9. Fertilize Regularly:
Fertilize crown of thorns monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
10. Protect from Cold:
Crown of thorns are not cold-hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Bring them indoors or protect them with a frost blanket during the winter.
Troubleshooting
11. Yellowing Leaves:
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again and fertilize regularly.
12. Dropping Leaves:
Dropping leaves can be a sign of underwatering, overwatering, or root rot. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.
13. Stem Rot:
Stem rot is a serious problem caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove any affected stems and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Tips for Success
- Wear gloves when handling crown of thorns as their thorns can be sharp.
- Repot crown of thorns during the spring or early summer when they are actively growing.
- Avoid overwatering as crown of thorns are drought-tolerant.
- Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth.
- Prune crown of thorns to shape and control their size.
In a nutshell
Repotting crown of thorns is an essential part of their care and maintenance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your prickly beauty thrives and continues to add a touch of exotic charm to your home.
What People Want to Know
1. How often should I repot my crown of thorns?
Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots become pot-bound.
2. What if my crown of thorns is root-bound?
Gently loosen the roots using a fork or your fingers before repotting.
3. Can I propagate crown of thorns from cuttings?
Yes, you can propagate crown of thorns by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil.
