Crown of thorns
Euphorbia milii
Also called Christ plant
Houseplant · Succulents & cactiThe milky sap burns skin and eyes. Wear gloves when you prune it.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Once a fortnightSoak, then bone-dry — wait until the soil is dry right through — lift the pot, it tells you.
- Light
- Bright, direct sun
- Feed
- Every 60 days
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Indoors, or out for the summer RHS H1C, to 5°C
- Size
- 1 m tall · 0.8 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Madagascar
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
No animal-poison authority lists this plant. Flagged unsafe on a people-toxicity source, which is the cautious reading rather than a checked one.
PeopleHarmful if eaten, and irritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
The milky latex blisters skin and is a genuine eye hazard — wash it off at once and never rub an eye after pruning; the stems are armed with long spines.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-07-31.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.