Crown of Thorns

Also known as

crown of thorns, allthorn and crucifixion thorn

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Koeberlinia spinosa

Genus

Koeberlinia

Family

Koeberliniaceae

Order

Brassicales

How to care for Crown of Thorns

💦 Water

How often to water your Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Crown of Thorns in your home

Crown of Thorns love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Crown of Thorns does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Crown of Thorns in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Crown of Thorns

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Crown of Thorns: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Crown of Thorns after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Crown of Thorns thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Crown of Thorns requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Crown of Thorns will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.