Euphorbia milii ‘Dwarf Apache’

Dwarf Apache crown of thorns
Tropical succulent with thorned branches and lush leaves has everblooming red flowers if kept warm. Leaves and flowers drop with drought and cold weather. More water in summer. Dwarf form stays small.
height 12–18in
width 18–24in
tolerates Drought, Deer , Gophers, Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Euphorbia milii are very drought-tolerant but will grow faster if they receive some summer water, usually every couple weeks to a month once established (let the plant dry out between waterings). If you aren’t getting summer growth you may be underwatering. These plants prefer a dry winter; outdoors in central California, they will need little supplemental winter water once established.

If your crown of thorns defoliates that does not mean it’s dead. This happens when frost rolls through, or also when water is withheld too long. If it’s during summer you are probably underwatering.
hardy
to		 32F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 In or Out
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Madagascar
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13, 17, 21–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

When watered correctly, and placed in a warm spot, euphorbia milii is nearly everblooming.
What seem to be flower petals are actually colorful bracts that hold tiny flowers.
Take care when pruning, as euphorbias have toxic sap that can cause a skin rash or damage to the eyes (make sure to rinse repeatedly with water if sap gets on your skin or in your eyes).

Special Interest

In Madagascar, where this plant is from, people build high rock walls with a hollow pocket in the top in which they plant Euphorbia milii as barbed wire!

This euphorbia also makes a good houseplant and transitions easily to a warm sunny room.