How to Propagate Crown of Thorns Plant ? The easiest way is by using stem cuttings. This method works fast, and within a few weeks, you can see roots and new leaves. Crown of Thorns can also be grown from seeds, but that takes much more time and patience.
I have been growing Crown of Thorns in my garden for many years, and I have tried both ways of propagation. In this post, I’ll share how I do it step by step, in simple words, so even a beginner can try it confidently.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Quick Things I Learned Before Propagating
Before I share the full steps, here are some small tips I’ve learned from my own attempts:
- Spring and summer are the best seasons for propagation.
- Always wear gloves when cutting because the plant’s white sap can irritate the skin.
- Don’t plant the cutting immediately – let it dry for 2–3 days.
- Use soil that drains well, otherwise the cutting may rot.
- Give the plant bright light but not harsh sun in the beginning.
- Water carefully – too much water is the biggest mistake with this plant.
How to Propagate Crown of Thorns Plant from Cuttings
Honestly, stem cuttings are my favorite method because they work almost every time. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Stem
I look for a healthy stem about 4–6 inches long. It should not be too young and soft, nor too old and woody. A fresh, medium stem with a few leaves is perfect.
Step 2: Cutting the Stem
I use a clean knife or garden scissors. The plant immediately starts releasing white sap. Since this sap can irritate the skin, I always make sure I wear gloves.
Step 3: Stopping the Sap
After cutting, I dip the cut end in warm water or apply a bit of charcoal powder. This small step helps stop the sap flow and keeps the cutting safe from infection.
Step 4: Letting the Cutting Dry
I don’t rush to plant it. Instead, I keep the cutting in a shaded, airy spot for 2–3 days. The cut end forms a dry layer (callus), which is very important. If you skip this step, the cutting might rot in the soil.
Step 5: Preparing the Soil
I mix my soil at home. For Crown of Thorns, I use:
- 40% coarse sand
- 40% perlite or pumice
- 20% garden soil or compost
This mix drains water quickly, which is exactly what the plant likes.
Step 6: Planting the Cutting
I plant the stem about 1–2 inches deep in the pot. I keep the soil loose and airy so roots can spread easily.
Step 7: Watering the Cutting
At first, I water very lightly. The soil should feel just slightly moist. Overwatering at this stage can kill the cutting, so I stay very careful.
Step 8: Finding the Right Spot
I place the pot in a bright place where it gets indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun in the beginning can stress the cutting. Once roots form, I slowly shift it into more sunlight.
Step 9: Watching for New Growth
After about 4–6 weeks, I usually see new leaves starting to grow. This is the most satisfying moment because it means the cutting has rooted successfully. At this stage, I sometimes move the plant into a bigger pot.
My Experience with Seeds
I also tried propagating Crown of Thorns from seeds once. Honestly, it was not as easy as cuttings.
Here’s what I did:
- Collected seeds from dried flowers.
- Soaked them in warm water for 2 hours.
- Planted them in sandy soil and kept the pot lightly covered.
- Watered just enough to keep the soil moist.
- Placed the pot in a warm spot with indirect light.
The seeds took almost 3 weeks to sprout, and not all of them grew. It worked, but it required patience. For beginners, I would say start with stem cuttings first.
Aftercare for New Plants
Once the new plant starts growing, I take care of it in these simple ways:
- Sunlight: Slowly move it into full sunlight, because Crown of Thorns blooms best in bright light.
- Watering: I water only when the top soil feels dry. This plant likes a little dryness, so less water is better than more.
- Fertilizer: Once a month in the growing season, I give a liquid fertilizer. It keeps the plant healthy and helps with flowering.
- Repotting: After a year or so, when roots fill the pot, I shift it into a bigger one.
Problems I Faced and What I Learned
Propagation doesn’t always go perfectly. Here are some issues I faced:
- Rotting: The cutting rotted when I planted it without drying. Lesson – always let the cut end dry before planting.
- No Roots: Sometimes cuttings didn’t root because the soil was too wet. Now I always keep soil just lightly moist.
- Yellow Leaves: I noticed yellowing leaves when the new cutting was either overwatered or not getting enough light. Fixing these two things helped.
Conclusion
From my own gardening experience, I can confidently say that the easiest way to propagate Crown of Thorns is by stem cuttings. It’s quick, reliable, and doesn’t need much effort. Just cut a healthy stem, let it dry for 2–3 days, and plant it in well-draining soil. With proper care, you will see roots and new growth in a few weeks.
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