About
My initial encounter with Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) occurred in 1995 during a vacation in the Philippines, when this plant was a burgeoning trend. At that time, I was residing in Rome in a tiny apartment, which made it challenging to cultivate any new plants, as my balcony was already filled with a collection of cacti and herbs.
In 2010, my journey took an exciting turn when I relocated to Texas. The following year, I stumbled upon my first Crown of Thorns plant—a rare (back then), vintage salmon-colored cultivar—at a local flea market. This encounter ignited a profound passion within me for these stunning and resilient plants, setting the stage for an incredible collection journey. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is not just a plant; it's a vibrant testament to nature's beauty and versatility. With its ability to thrive in warm climates and produce dynamic, colorful blooms year-round, this succulent quickly captivated my imagination. Driven by my newfound enthusiasm, I began a dedicated quest to discover a myriad of cultivars, exploring online platforms like eBay and Amazon to find unique colors and varieties. Even importing seeds from Thailand, known for its exquisite selections, became part of my mission.
As my collection flourished and expanded into the hundreds, I found myself captivated by the endless possibilities it represented, and I saw an opportunity to share this passion with others. I started selling my surplus plants alongside my husband’s collection of dragon figurines on eBay, forging connections with fellow enthusiasts along the way. However, as my reputation grew, so did the demand for unique cultivars, presenting a challenge in sourcing new plants in bulk. While I received shipments from several U.S. sellers, my relentless pursuit continued for extraordinary varieties—especially those with larger bloom sizes and standout qualities. This quest is more than a hobby; it's a vibrant community of plant lovers where knowledge, tips, and remarkable finds are shared, allowing each of us to cultivate and celebrate the stunning diversity of our collections.
In 2016, I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand, where I connected with owners of one of the largest Crown of Thorns exporters globally, L&P Farm. Their expansive cultivation facilities, spanning multiple locations in Thailand, were impressive.
Throughout my journey with Crown of Thorns, I have had the privilege of collaborating with several distinguished breeders from Thailand. As an avid enthusiast, I cultivate my plants with passion and dedication, consistently seeking to enhance my knowledge through new cultivation techniques. My pursuits also involve exploring innovative methods of cross-pollination to develop new color variants and enhance desirable characteristics.
Join me in embracing this passion, and let's work together to elevate our green spaces!