Growing Crown Of Thorns Outdoors: Tips and Tricks
Crown of thorns, also known as euphorbia milii, is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive both indoors and outdoors. While it's easy to take care of this succulent, growing crown of thorns outdoors requires some special attention. In this article, we'll share with you some tips and tricks on how to grow crown of thorns outdoors successfully.
Choosing the Right Location
Crown of thorns thrives in full sun, so you need to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant also prefers well-draining soil, so make sure the location you choose has good drainage. Avoid planting crown of thorns in low-lying areas or places where water tends to accumulate after rain.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it's best to plant your crown of thorns in a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Planting Crown of Thorns Outdoors
Once you've chosen the right location for your crown of thorns, it's time to plant it. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Dig a hole that's twice as wide as the root ball of your plant
- Add some compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its quality
- Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil
- Water the plant thoroughly
Make sure you don't bury the crown of thorns too deep in the soil – the top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.
Watering Crown of Thorns
Crown of thorns is a drought-tolerant plant that doesn't require much water. However, it's important to water it regularly during its first year of growth to help establish its root system. After that, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once a week or even less, depending on the climate in your area.
When watering your crown of thorns, make sure you don't get water on the leaves or flowers, as this can cause them to rot. Water the soil around the plant instead.
Fertilizing Crown of Thorns
You don't need to fertilize crown of thorns often, but adding some fertilizer once or twice a year can help promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer.
Pruning Crown of Thorns
Crown of thorns doesn't require much pruning, but you may want to trim it back from time to time to control its size or shape. Use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant, and make clean cuts just above a leaf node.
If your crown of thorns becomes leggy or straggly, you can cut it back severely in late winter or early spring. This will encourage new growth and help rejuvenate the plant.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Crown of thorns is generally pest-free, but it can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, or spider mites. These pests can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Crown of thorns can also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet, so make sure not to overwater it. If you notice any signs of root rot, such as yellowing leaves or a foul smell, remove the affected parts of the plant and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Growing crown of thorns outdoors is easy as long as you choose the right location, plant it correctly, water and fertilize it appropriately, prune it when necessary, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to enjoy a beautiful and healthy crown of thorns in your garden all year round.
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