The Crown of Thorns plant is a beautiful flowering plant native to Madagascar. It is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and thrives in a wide range of climates. However, if you are thinking about adding a Crown of Thorns plant to your home, there are a few things you need to know about watering it.
Water your Crown of Thorns plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Be careful not to overwater your plant because it doesn’t like soggy soil. Also, ensure good drainage in the pot so that the roots do not become waterlogged. During the winter months, you can reduce watering to once every two weeks or as needed.
If you have a crown of thorns or plan on planting one, you need to learn how to water it correctly. This article discusses everything you need to know about watering a Crown of Thorns plant.
Crown of Thorns Plant: General Water Requirements
Before we dive deep into discussing the specific watering needs of a Crown of Thorns plant, it is crucial to understand the plant’s general water requirements.
The Crown of Thorns is a succulent, which means it is adapted to survive in arid conditions. In its natural habitat, the Crown of Thorns only receives rainwater sporadically. As such, it has developed the ability to store water in its leaves and stems.
The Crown of Thorns is very tolerant of drought conditions and can survive for long periods without water. But this doesn’t mean that the plant does not need water. Watering regularly is one of the ways to take care of your crown of thorns, especially when it is actively growing.
During the growth period, water your plant once a week or as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Make sure you allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to water your crown of thorns more often. The extra humidity in the air will make it harder for the plant to lose water through evaporation, so you will need to water it more frequently to compensate.
The Golden Rules of Watering the Crown of Thorns Plant
Now that you know the general water requirements of the Crown of Thorns plant let’s discuss the golden rules of watering this beautiful succulent.
Rule #1: Watering Frequency
The first rule for watering a crown of thorns plant is to do it regularly. This plant needs to be watered at least once a week. You may need to water it more often if the weather is hot and dry or if the plant is growing vigorously.
During winter, the plant will enter into a semi-dormant state and need less water. You can reduce watering to once every two weeks or as required.
Closely monitor your succulent for signs of drought stress, such as wilting leaves or stems. If you see these signs, water your plant immediately.
Rule #2: Allow the Soil to Dry Out Between Waterings
The second rule of watering a crown of thorns plant is to make sure the soil has a chance to dry out between waterings.
This plant does not like soggy soil, so it is essential to let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again.
If you water your plant too often, the roots will start to rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Check the soil before watering, and only water your crown of thorns if the top few inches of soil are dry.
Rule #3: Be Careful Not to Overwater
While it is crucial to water your Crown of Thorns plant regularly, you also need to be careful not to overwater it. Allow the water to drain completely after each watering, and promote good drainage in the pot.
If the soil stays too wet for too long, the roots will start to rot. This can lead to problems such as wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. If you see any of these signs, stop watering your plant until the soil has dried out completely.
Root rot is a serious problem and can be difficult to fix. If you think your plant has root rot, it is best to consult a succulent expert for advice on how to proceed.
Rule #4: Use the Right Watering Technique
The best way to water a crown of thorns plant is to use the soak-and-dry method. To do this, water your plant until the soil is saturated and then allow the water to drain completely.
Do not water again until the top few inches of soil are dry. This method will help ensure your plant gets the moisture it needs without overwatering.
If you are using a watering can make sure to water slowly and evenly so that the water can soak into the soil. Do not pour all the water at once, or it will run off the pot without wetting the soil.
You can also water your plant from the bottom by placing the pot in a bowl of water and letting the plant soak for a few minutes. Once the soil is saturated, remove the pot from the water and let it drain completely before you place it back in its usual spot.
Rule #5: Check for Signs of Drought Stress
Even if you follow all of the watering rules, it is still possible to underwater or overwater your plant. That is why it is essential to check for signs of drought stress and take action if necessary.
Some signs of drought stress include wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dry, crispy leaves. If you see any of these signs, it is vital to water your plant immediately.
Once you have watered your plant, closely monitor it for any further signs of stress. If the problem persists, it is best to consult a succulent expert for advice on how to proceed.
Rule #6: Use Distilled Water or Rainwater
When watering your Crown of Thorns plant, it is best to use distilled water or rainwater. Tap water contains chemicals that can build up in the soil and eventually harm your plant.
If you must use tap water, allow it to sit out for 24 hours before using it. This will allow the chemicals to dissipate and make the water safe for your plant.
Continued use of tap water can eventually lead to mineral build-up in the soil, making it difficult for your plant to absorb moisture. This can lead to problems such as wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
Rule #7: Avoid Getting Water on the Leaves of Your Plant
Depending on the watering method you use, it is inevitable that some water will end up on your plant’s leaves. However, it is essential to avoid getting the leaves too wet as this can lead to problems.
If the leaves stay too wet for too long, they can start to rot. This can eventually kill your plant. Soggy leaves are more susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.
To avoid getting water on your plant’s leaves, water from the bottom or use a watering can with a long spout. If you get water on the leaves, dry them off as soon as possible.
Rule #8: Water Early in the Morning
Lastly, water your crown of thorns plant early in the morning between the hours of 6.00 am and 10.00 am. This will give the plant time to absorb the water before the heat of the day sets in.
Watering in the evening can also be problematic as the water on the leaves will not have time to evaporate before nightfall. This can create a humid environment ideal for fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.
If you must water in the evening, do so early enough so that the water has time to evaporate before nightfall.
Bonus Tip: Use a Moisture Meter
If you want to take the guesswork out of watering your crown of thorns plant, it is best to use a moisture meter. This tool will help you to determine when your plant needs water and how much to give it.
To use a moisture meter, insert the probe into the soil near your plant. The meter will then give you a reading that will tell you the moisture content of the soil.
Most moisture meters have three readings: dry, moist, and wet. Use the following guidelines to water your plant accordingly:
- If the soil is dry, water your plant.
- If the soil is moist, do not water your plant.
- If the soil is wet, do not water your plant and allow the excess water to drain away.
Summary
Your crown of thorns is sure to reward you with active growth and beauty if you water it. Following these simple golden rules will help keep your crown of thorns plant healthy and happy.
Remember to water it when the soil is dry, use room temperature water, avoid overwatering, and cut back on watering during winter. With proper care, your crown of thorns plant will thrive for many years!
Last update on 2023-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
