It is the heritage plant of my family.
The original plant belonged to my great grandmother, and dates back over 100 years now.
The crown of thorns cactus (Euphorbia milii) is an evergreen succulent plant, native to Madagascar.
I remember getting a bit too close to the thorns of the already mature plant in the early 1950’s.
Everyone in the family took cuttings from that plant. They all grew into a glorious display of green leaves and red flowers.
They would be carefully tied with thread or fishing wire, trained to form large circles. Just beautiful.
And then there was mine. No flowers, no leaves.
A thorny stick in a pretty pot.
When it comes to indoor plants, I have been gifted with the polar opposite of a green thumb.
Gardening outdoors is different. I’ve had many productive garden plots, deck containers, etc.
But as soon as I get something green indoors…certain death.
Cuttings with new roots.
I’ve had great success with the silk ficus tree, an artificial pink dogwood which stays in perpetual bloom, assorted evergreens of unknown composition.
Yesterday, I was at a huge flea market and came upon a crown of thorns with yellow flowers.
The vendor told me they also come in white. Who knew?
I think it was a sign. I need to try again.
vanbytheriver 
I’m terribly with plants Van… nothing flourishes in my care! !!
I seem to be able to grow people, and pets. But green plants…not so much. Thanks, Ritu. Glad I’m not alone. 💘
Snap!!!! 😀😀😀
Here’s to a great outcome this time!
Fingers crossed, DK. Thanks. 🌱
What a great idea – a family heritage plant! Love it. Any day that something indoors doesn’t die on me, is also a massive celebration. You are definitely not alone. Good luck!
Ha…that’s a sigh of relief. I seem to be the only one of my siblings that missed out on the green thumb. And those fake plants…require dusting. ugh. Thanks.☺
lol….good luck this time.
Thanks, George. My goal now is to get to my family and try a cutting of the original plant…they do them all the time. 🌿
I’m more impressed than I can say at the thought of a plant being in your family for 100 years. For someone like me who just has to look at a plant the wrong way to kill it, that’s an amazing record. 🙂
I take no credit, Bun. That goes to my parents and my siblings for keeping it going. I like to visit and admire. ☺
They deserve a lot of praise for their success. 🙂
I so feel your pain. Every house I have ever lived in, I have absolutely killed the yard. I have resigned myself to wanting a rock garden….at least I cannot kill a rock!
Ha ha. I had a friend who used to threaten to pave his yard and paint it green. Just a thought, Vic. ☺
Hmmmm…🤔
This got me thinking of what heritage plant do I start in my family?
What a beautiful tradition, thank you for sharing Van.
This one is often described as “easy to grow” or “hard to kill”. They had not met me. ☺ I would pick a fairly safe, hardy one, Sawsan. I agree, it’s a sweet tradition. 💝
🙂
They look beautiful, did you get yellow or white Van? ❤
Diana xo
Neither, Diana. I had a nice conversation with the vendor, and decided to get a clipping from someone in my family. I’ll see a few of them this summer, and they’ve all had success. Hoping it rubs off this time. 💕
I’m not very good with indoor plants either, Van. It’s a sure death sentence, the poor things. Good luck with your new attempt. I’m cheering you on!
I’m excited about the new challenge, D. I killed 2 separate clippings years ago, but I have more time now to be vigilant. So…maybe ??? Thanks. 🌿
Good luck
🌱 🌿🌱 🌿 Thanks.
I love the idea of a family heritage plant! So unique! This may be nosy (and don’t feel like it needs an answer!) but how come THAT plant? It’s lovely, to be sure, but I guess I was curious about why that plant from Madagascar.
You know, I’m not really sure of that one. She lived to be 96, so that plant was around a long time. It’s in the cactus family, very hardy, and survived in her row home in Philadelphia. (limited sunlight) ??? She also kept huge aquariums. Interesting character. ☺
She sounds like someone with a bunch of phenomenal stories! It’s definitely a lovely plant, and it’s made even more lovely with all the care that your family has put into it.
You know my philosophy; persistence leads to eventual success. I love the balance in the strength of the thorny stalk and the gentle beauty of the flower.
In a healthy plant, that contrast is a thing of beauty. Thanks, Doc. 🌿
We tried they die, but we plant trees with the kids and they carve their name.
That’s great. We have pretty good luck with trees, and most outdoor plantings. 🌳 Thanks.
You never can tell. This just might work out this time. Maybe the plant will stop being a thorn in your flesh, he,he 🙂 It looks pretty with the flowers.
Nice one, Jacqueline. Thanks for your encouragement. ☺
I refuse to have house plants – they all die on me. Yet, my middle daughter has a green thumb and can grow absolutely anything indoors. Go figure.
Maybe it skips a generation sometimes ? I’m counting on that, CM. 💝
I am sure with the Love in your heart you will rear these new shoots .. And how interesting, I love discovering new plants.. and this one is new to me.. 🙂 🙂 Happy Gardening xxx
Thanks, Sue. I didn’t know until yesterday that the flowers come in different colors. 💛 💙 💜
We live and we learn.. 🙂 and I love it when I learn as I live xxx
It is interesting! Basically, everything works out- and outdoors. I have numerous orchids and they are all blossoming again and again. But in my first apartment, everything died after a while. It almost feels like the plants stayed alive once I got more alive…. But you know what? At least you don’t have to water everything inside all the time!
Good point, Erika. Oh, and orchids…I have a friend who does miracles with them. They scare me….a lot ! ❤️
Haha…. sometimes it takes a while until they blossom again. But when they do they mostly last for half a year or longer… amazing!
Just take a little care …it will eventually flourish. I’m expecting a post down the line with your plant flourishing… 🙂
I think you may be right, Maniparna. Thanks for the positive vibe. ❤️
🙂 ….
Is this the Van version of insanity: trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?
Absolutely, Geoff. ☺
Good luck ☺☺
Thanks, Nimi. ☺
Hi friend
The Crown of Thorns plant was the only plant at my fathers house. Granny kept it blooming year after year. Mine, dead in no time. I enjoyed my roses, a few veggies, lavender and various flowers. I like mixing dried flowers, the scent is stronger than store bought.
I tell myself the day will come.
I hit the wall last night, questioning every thing and frustration with my cognitive issues.
🙂 🙂
M
How interesting is that, M ? Cuttings from the same plant thrive for some, not for others. Thanks for sharing that one. I understand. 💕
A most wonderful post detailing your personal story as it relates to this exceptional and unique succulent. Great story and photo
Yes, I do have one too!
Thank you kindly, Eddie. I may seek out some advice from you on its “care and feeding”. 💕
I used to be the master killer of anything green, too. But then I lived in a house with room for a garden and things grew! Shocked the heck out of me! Gradually, by looking things up and working at it with a little more care I began to kill less and less plants, although there are some I’m afraid to retry. Unfortunately I don’t have but one window that gets good light. The rest are under eves or facing the wrong way. But there is something so satisfying watching things grow.
There is so much to the direction of that indoor light. My childhood home had massive windows, with southern and western exposure…ideal. I haven’t had that in my own homes over the years. ☺
I have one measly window that sun comes through in the morning. At least is Spring. I kept my cuttings alive in Mason jars of water and have them planted now.
☺ Yours have a will to live.
lol
My husband used to say I bought new plants each spring so I had something to kill! I am happy to report that over the years I have discovered that elusive green thumb 🙂 I have only ever once seen a Crown of Thorn – those thorns are w.i.c.k.e.d !!
They really are wicked. I found that out as a curious toddler ! ☺
Ouch 😦
I am way better with outdoor gardening!
Me too, Lynn. Must be those farmer genes. ☺
haha it must be Van!
I rarely see these, and the last one I remember seeing was ten years ago. They’re so pretty when they bloom, all that contrast. I didn’t know they come in white! Yes, you must try again 🙂 I think indoor plants are fickle. I’ve never had good luck with indoor herbs, no matter where I’ve lived. Windows tend to be in the same location as vents. No good. Some plants want to be ignored and some plants will die if you don’t fuss over them. Mine never thrive. They grow, but modestly and last maybe 3-5 years. I’ve got a nice cactus, a palm, and a devil’s ivy and they’re alright, but I prefer my faux plants. They don’t require watering, feeding, or re-potting, and they can live forever in one place!
No kidding. In the summer, they can even survive on a porch, deck, etc. But, they do need a good dusting now and again. It’s worth it. ☺
Totally. Two of mine are labeled ‘dishwasher’ safe! (Not that I use my dishwasher…)