ĭirectly pinpointing yellow leaves is rather hard due to the many different issues that could be at fault. More information about addressing root rot can be found on this link. If the roots sport a yellow tinge, you're good to go, but if they're brown and mushy, action must be taken immediately. Take the plant out of the pot and inspect health below the soil line. Symptoms include rapidly yellowing leaves, stunted growth and a rotten brown caudex. Root rot is a common issue with specimens sat in too moist or waterlogged soil for long periods. Prolonged exposure will significantly speed the process of dehydration, so consider transplantation into a bigger pot in the spring to wrap the roots around moister soil. Although Crown of Thorns can naturally do well in sun-filled locations, those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays will show signs of sun-scorch and environmental shock. Its nickname, the Crown of Hearts, comes from the obvious thorn-stricken stems which are topped by a cluster of foliage and blooms in the summer months.Ĭurled leaves and dried brown edges are the result of too little water and over-exposure to the sun. Although a 'Houseplant' fertiliser will still do the job, we'd recommend using a specific 'Cactus' labelled feed as it'll support the vital thirteen nutrients that this species will need to grow. This is not a necessity however, a quick hose down from time to time will hydrate the leaves and wash away dust or potential pests.įertilise every two months during the growing period and every three months in the autumn & winter to replicate its dormancy period. The differences between under and over-watering can be very similar, with a rotten root ball or stem being the obvious difference. Over-watering symptoms include a weakened or rotten stem, no new growth, yellowing lower leaves and eventual plant death. Remember, the brighter the location, the more watering you'll need to do. These issues are usually caused by too much light/heat or forgetfulness. Under-watering symptoms include a shrivelled stem, yellowing leaves, little to no growth and dry, crispy patches forming on the leaf edges. Allow all of the soil to thoroughly dry out in between waters in the growing period, reducing this further in the autumn and winter.
![plant with soft thorns plant with soft thorns](https://image.shutterstock.com/image-photo/thorns-dry-dead-plant-desert-260nw-2074610035.jpg)
Not only will continuous soil moisture ruin their root systems, but it'll also increase the risk of a rotten stem which essentially will destroy the plant. Due to the species' intolerance to low light, avoid placing one in areas where a newspaper can’t be read without the use of artificial light.Ĭrown of Thorns will require the ukhouseplants saying of 'drenches between droughts'. A few hours of off-peak sunlight will be highly beneficial for the plant, as it’ll significantly reduce the risk of over-watering and root rot. The warmth and light from the sun will considerably increase the chance of summer blooms, as areas with near-constant temperatures all year round will stunt the specimen's growth. Keep an eye out for Spider Mites, Mealybugs & Scale that'll hide in the plant's cubbyholes.Īs mentioned above, Crown of Thorns are best located in a bright location with a splash of morning or evening sun.Scroll down to 'Flowers' for more information on this. If you're interested in producing a show of blooms, keep the specimen pot bound to restrict the root system. Repot every three years during the spring, using a 'Cactus & Succulent' labelled potting mix.Fertilise every two or three months using either a 'Cactus' or 'Houseplant' labelled feed.Crown of Thorns must endure periods of droughts between waters - if you're stuck with when to water it, think of the ukhouseplants ' phrase of 'Drenches Between Droughts'.
![plant with soft thorns plant with soft thorns](https://p1.pxfuel.com/preview/811/647/650/cactus-plant-prickly-green.jpg)
Recently purchased specimens must build up their tolerance and exposure to the sun over the course of the next eight weeks to avoid sun-scorch.
![plant with soft thorns plant with soft thorns](https://anujain.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/greenthorn1.jpg)
Provide a bright location with around a few hours of sunlight per day.Need the answer to a specific plant query? Book a 1-to-1 video call with Joe Bagley, the website's friendly author to overcome and address your niggling problem! Available on iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger & more. Origins, Temperature, Propagation, Repotting & Toxicity.Location, Water, Humidity & Fertilisation.