How to pot your newly arrived plant

Your new beauty will arrive in an indestructo mailer. It’s a crush proof, extra strong white corrugated box folded in a way to provide double wall of protection on front and sides. To open the box, you only have to cut the tape by inserting a knife or a pair of scissors in the slit between the lid and the panel. Spread all flaps, tabs and panels, remove all tapes and wrappings with caution, remember the thorns.

Now, it’s time to dress your beauty. You will need a pot, 4 inches wide and 4 inches tall or similar. For the soil, a cactus mix (unfertilized) is best. Fertilizers are harmful to stressed roots. Wait at least 4 weeks before fertilizing. A pinch of Osmocote 14-14-14 can be used by simply scattering the prills atop the surface of the soil.

Some tips from me:

• Crown of Thorns is technically a succulent, please use a small amount of fertilizer when feeding. You can add more when the plant is older. Please check the effects fertilizer toxicity my earlier post
• Bagged potting mixes are formulated for general purposes and contain high amounts of nitrogen. COT that are planted in these commercial bagged mixes tend to grow too fast and lush especially if watered frequently, and flower performance is poor and delayed. If you cannot mix your own potting soil from peat, perlite and compost, the cactus mix is a good alternative.
• I use a more porous mix for juvenile COT, like those 6-10 inches tall. One part peat, one part Perlite, and some compost. For larger crowns, I use more peat than perlite.
• Never fertilize your plant when it is bone dry.
• I repeat here what I have stated in the plant description page. Keep your plant away from sprinklers. Move your plant to an area where it doesn’t get soaked from prolonged rain. This is to avoid root rot and keep the blooms for a long period of time.