Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Move the plant to a location with more direct sun.
- Rotate the pot every week so all sides get equal light.
- Prune back the longest stems to encourage bushier growth.
Likely causes
Lack of Direct Sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Relocate the plant to a spot with direct, full sun. You can prune back the long, leggy stems to encourage the plant to branch out and grow more compactly.
Over-fertilizing
PossibleHow to tell: The plant grows very quickly but the stems are weak and stretched. This is less common, but happens when the plant gets too much nitrogen.
What to do: Stop fertilizing for several months to slow down the rapid, weak growth. If the plant is very tall, prune the stems back to a desired height to improve its shape.
Find out what's wrong with your crown of thorns
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for the plant to grow tall over many years. Worry if the stems are so thin they cannot support their own weight.
Stopping it coming back
Provide as much direct sunlight as possible throughout the year. Regular pruning helps maintain a full and attractive shape.
Keep your crown of thorns healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I propagate the cuttings from pruning?
- Yes, you can let the cut ends dry for a few days until they callous over. Then, plant them in slightly damp cactus soil to start new plants.
- Will pruning hurt the plant?
- Pruning is actually good for the plant and helps it stay bushy. Just wear gloves, as the sap can be irritating to the skin.
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Back to the Crown of Thorns guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.