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Euphorbia milii variegata
Ideally placed in partial shade, can tolerate sunny sites.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. In winter, limit watering. It can last quite a long time without watering.
It can tolerate -3.9 °C in the short term. However, the plant is not hardy.
It differs from other crowns of thorns in its attractively variegated leaves.
Euphorbia milii variegata is a variegated form of the well-known species Euphorbia milii, commonly referred to as the Crown of Thorns. This form is grown primarily for its striking foliage coloration, which gives the plant a bright and contrasting appearance.
The leaves are elongated to ovate, variegated in shades of green, cream to pale yellow, often with a subtle pinkish margin. They are produced mainly at the tips of the shoots and gradually drop from the lower parts of the plant. The stems are thick, densely armed with sharp spines, richly branched, and become woody with age. The plant has a shrubby, succulent growth habit.
The flowers are small but showy, pink to red in color, and appear repeatedly throughout most of the year, usually with only a short pause during winter.
This succulent can be lightly fertilized during the growing season. Prolonged drought may cause leaf drop, but new leaves usually develop quickly after watering. The plant produces a milky sap that is mildly toxic, so careful handling is recommended and it should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Thanks to its variegated foliage, spiny stems, and long flowering period, this Euphorbia is a distinctive plant that works well as a standalone specimen.