THORNS OF CHRIST

ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISTICS

Euphorbia Milii is known by its common names like “Espina de Cristo” or “Corona de Espinas”, it belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is endemic to Madagascar.

It has a short stem with thorns that can measure up to 1.5 centimeters long, between which the leaves are formed. These, have an oblong shape, are green with a thorn at the base of the leaf, connecting it with the stem.

The flowering of this species comes between the winter and spring seasons, giving small clustered yellow flowers with leaves that are born from the flower and that differ from the original leaves.

DECORATION OF ... EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR?

The Espina de Cristo is perfect to have it inside the home since it does not reach a large span, is very decorative and withstands heating very well in winter times. We must also make sure that it is in a sunny room and ensure a pot that drains the water correctly. Being very easy to care for, it makes it the perfect companion in our home.

CARE FOR CACTUS AND SUCCULENTS

They are showy plants, very pretty and that practically do not need much maintenance.

- They prefer places with direct light or that have good lighting, preferably next to a window, on a balcony, a terrace or in your Garden.

- They can withstand low temperatures, around 0ºC.

- It is essential that they have good drainage, both in the soil and in a pot.

- The ideal substrate for cacti has to be combined with sand and gravel, so that they have good drainage, humidity and excess water are not good.

- Irrigation does not have to be excessive. From spring to autumn, which would be its growth period, water every 15 days, abundant watering and wait until the soil is very dry again. In winter do not water or give one watering per month.

- Fertilizer. During the growing season (spring - autumn) you can fertilize them with worm humus. Eggshells are a good homemade fertilizer, they contain (Calcium, Iron, Potassium, magnesium and Phosphorus) these nutrients are very important and favor their growth, you must crush and mix them with the substrate, administer them a couple of times a year.

- Treatment against fungi due to excess humidity, disinfect the area with a copper-based fungicide.

- If you want to transplant them from the pot or the ground, the best time would be from spring.

And don't forget that to work with cacti you have to wear good gloves.