But there’s one particular plant that can be truly associated with the sufferings of Christ... the "Crown of Thorns."

This plant is so called because of its sharp, long thorns on its long slender stem.

The small, round clusters of bright red flowers which come out of a group of leaves resemble droplets of blood coming from a "head."

The plant flowers all year round and the peak of its blooming is during the Lenten season.

At this time, the Crown of Thorns shed its oval shaped bright green leaves but it continues to bloom making it appear more like a crown of thorns splattered with blood.

The Crown of Thorns is a succulent plant that bleeds a milky white substance when the stem is wounded. Avoid touching the sap. If in case it gets into your hand, do not touch your eyes or lips to avoid irritation.

New breeds of euphorbia Splendens, Bojeri and Millii are now shorter and with a wider array of colors like bright and dark pink, baby pink, light yellow, greenish white, ivory, fuchsia, salmon, crimson, red orange, tangerine, dull red and more.

The short stemmed or the branching euphorbia are used by interior designers as table centerpiece or accent on a long shelf. Taller varieties are ideal against a vacant wall or empty corners.

For landscaping, these plants can be trained as hedges or focal points in rock gardens and grottos. Small potted varieties on ceramic or glazed pots are good as gifts or giveaways.

Unlike its original species, the new Crown of Thorns is now a craze among plant collectors. It’s easier to grow and propagate. Moreover, the plants are unique with their handsome sculpture.

Since the euphorbias are succulent plants, they don’t need much water for they have the ability to store water in their stems.

They prefer rich, loose soil that is kept moist and occasionally allowed to dry up. They can be kept in a well-lighted area or even under direct sunlight.

Soluble foliar fertilizers for growing and blooming must be sprayed once a week at a diluted solution of 1-teaspoon per gallon of water once a month.

Organic plant food and slow release fertilizer pellets can be given for supplementary feeding at least every 2 or 3 months.

This type of plants can tolerate extreme temperature but remember that watering must be frequently done during hot days and less on cooler months. To control the growth of some tall species, train them to a trellis.

One way of propagating the Crown of Thorns is by stem cutting. Cut mature stems of about 6 – 8 in. and allow the wound to dry up 3 or 4 days after cutting. Plant in sandy soil or perlite.

Moisten the soil and keep under shade for a week or two without moving or touching the cutting. Apply rooting hormone powder to the cut portion if you wish or spray with a rooting solution one day after planting.

Many hybrids can bear seeds so do not be surprised if you find plantlets growing near big plants. Mealy bugs, aphids and spider mites are the worst enemies of euphorbia.

Spray any insecticide or miticide recommended by nursery experts if infestation is heavy.