The Euphorbia milii Maxi 'Zephyr', also known as Crown of Thorns, is an attractive yet thorny tropical succulent shrub prized for its nearly continuous blooming and pretty apricot-coloured bell-shaped flowers. Easy to care for and adaptable to indoor life, it brings a touch of the exotic with its bright green foliage and spiny stems. Please note that it is toxic if ingested and its sap can irritate the skin.
Key Features
Foliage: Thick, oval, bright green leaves, present almost year-round.
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous green flowers surrounded by showy, apricot-coloured bell-shaped bracts for the 'Maxi Zephyr' variety. Other colours are possible for other varieties (red, orange, pink, yellow, white). Blooming can occur at any time of the year if conditions are right.
Habit: Upright and branching shrub with stems bearing sharp thorns.
Growth: Slow, making it an easy-to-manage indoor plant in terms of size.
Care: Considered easy, ideal for beginners and succulent plant enthusiasts.
Care Tips
Light: Full sun is ideal for abundant flowering. Indoors, a west or south-facing location is best in winter.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil, ideally a cactus potting mix. The pot should not be too large to avoid water retention.
Watering: Water when the soil is dry about 2-3 cm (1 inch) below the surface. Water thoroughly and allow any excess water to drain away. Reduce watering in winter when the plant enters semi-dormancy. Do not let the plant sit in water.
Temperature and Humidity: Prefers temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). Tolerates temperatures down to 10°C (50°F) at night. Does not require any particular humidity.
Fertilization: From spring through fall, fertilize with a balanced indoor plant fertilizer about once every two waterings, diluting the fertilizer to half its strength.
Pruning: Wear gloves when pruning to avoid contact with the latex. Prune any yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Can be pruned to maintain a compact shape.
Propagation: Easy by stem cuttings in spring or summer. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days before planting it in a cactus mix.
Caution: Toxic plant. The latex can be irritating.
