Euphorbia Milii Variegated Red

Euphorbia milii variegated red

Euphorbia Milii Variegated Red, Crown of Thorns Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It has a specialized structure called a cyathium (fused bracts that form a cup) has a single female flower with 3 styles surrounded by five groups of male flowers, each with a single anther, and five nectar glands. Two of those 5 nectar glands have petal-like appendages that most people would consider the “flower”. They tirelessly appear almost all the year. In the case of indoor cultivation, it can grow to lush small bushes.

The Christ plant which originates from Madagascar belongs to the euphorbias. It grows as a succulent, leafy and thorny shrub, reaching a height between 10cm to 50 cm, depending on the age. The name Christ plant is due to the resemblance between its branches and Christ’s crown of thorns.

Its shoots, all surrounded by spiky thorns are brownish and covered with small, oval leaves. Apart from being an evergreen plant, Euphorbia Milli can also resist drought. It produces woody, succulent stems up to three feet high. The thorns cover the stems randomly and measure up to an inch long.

The Christ plant is a true sun-worshipper. These plants can be moved outdoors for the summer. To prevent sunburn, acclimate it gradually to the higher light levels outdoors. The plants will benefit from rain water but be sure to remove any dead leaves or matted flowers during periods of prolonged wetness so that fungal diseases will not develop. Any plant part that turns brown should be cut off immediately so prevent the rot from spreading further.