Crown of Thorns in Modern Terracotta

Light: As with most flowering plants, the better the sun exposure, the more blooms you will get. However, crown of thorns will reliably bloom as long as it gets at least three to four hours of bright, direct sunlight per day. Outdoors, try to place it under full sun. Indoors, place your plant in a west or south-facing spot during winter.

Water: Since it is a succulent, crown of thorns is very forgiving about water. Water when the soil feels dry about 1 inch below the surface. Water thoroughly and allow any excess to drain off. Do not let your plant sit in water or wet soil for prolonged periods of time or the roots will rot. Crown of thorns will go semi-dormant in the winter and need less frequent watering and not food.

Temperature and Humidity: At least half a day of sunlight is a major requirement for crown of thorns. Temperature-wise, a comfortable 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is good. Don’t worry if you lower the thermostat at night; crown of thorns can handle temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer: From spring through fall, feed your crown of thorns with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. You can do this every other time you water if you dilute the fertilizer to half strength