Crown of Thorns is a resilient succulent known for its thorny stems and long-lasting colorful blooms. Native to Madagascar, this plant thrives in bright light and warm conditions, making it a great choice for sunny indoor spaces. Its drought-tolerant nature means it prefers less frequent watering compared to many houseplants. With the right environment, it can bloom throughout much of the year. Read the full guide to learn how to help your Crown of Thorns grow strong and vibrant.
Our December box featuring Haworthia African Pearls, Senecio String of Pearls, Echeveria Ciliata X Nodulosa, and Crassula Ivory Towels.
1. Haworthia African Pearls
Haworthia Reinwardtii, so-called "African Pearls", is one of the most striking Haworthia with narrow pointy leaves marked with bumpy, raised white spotty bands.
The tightly packed leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern, forming columnar rosettes up to 8 inches tall. Haworthia Reinwardtii produces offsets freely to form a mat.
In spring, the mature rosettes produce white flowers on thin, long stems.
Bright light, but not direct sunlight.
Use a cactus mix or very fast-draining potting soil mixed with sand.
Water deeply when soil is dry and let water drain out completely.
2. Senecio String of Pearls
Senecio Rowleyanus, native to Namibia, Africa, has pendant stems to 3' or more with unusual round "leaves" giving the impression of a "String of pearls plant". Both the stems and leaves are green.
Pearl plant is beautiful in a hanging basket, and can be inside the house in a bright airy room, or outside in a protected patio. Bright light with ample airflow is recommended therefore outdoor in the shade is preferable. Protect from frost.
Light shade. Well-drained soil. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch, then let drain completely. Avoid letting water sit for too long in the soil to prevent rot and fungal diseases. Reduce watering to a minimum in the winter. Small, white flowers that smell like cinnamon.
Can be toxic to humans and animals
3. Echeveria Ciliata X Nodulosa
Echeveria Ciliata x Nodulosa is a gorgeous rosetted succulent. It has keeled green leaves, edged and backed with burgundy outlines. Each rosette is covered with a fine, velvety coating of cilia and can grow to about 4 inch wide. This hybrid has a branching habit and can grow sprawling stems, but can stay compact with regular pruning. Also known as "Mexican Hens & Chicks", Echeveria can produce new offsets or "chicks" around the base of the mother plant.
Full sun or partial shade. Porous and well-drained succulent potting mix. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch, then let drain completely. Avoid letting water sit for too long in the rosette to prevent rot and fungal diseases.
4. Crassula Ivory Towels
Crassula Conjuncta, also called "Ivory Towers", is native to South Africa. It has attractive silvery green leaves with deep red rims. The leaves are very similar to that of Crassula Perforata String of buttons, but are fleshier and grow more compact. Crassula Ivory Tower produces clusters of tiny white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Regular mixes for cacti and succulents, Mixture of regular potting soil, bird sand and pumice. Minimum of 3 hours direct sunlight per day. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch, then let drain completely. Avoid letting water sit for too long in the soil to prevent rot and fungal diseases.
Average summer temperatures from 65ºF/18ºC to 70ºF/21ºC are ideal. In winter, it can survive temperatures as low as 50ºF/10ºC.
Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
You can propagate Crassula Ivory Towers by division, offsets or leaf cuttings. The easiest way is to propagate from a single leaf: put the leaf in a succulent or cacti mix, then cover until it sprouts.
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