How to Pollinate Crown of thorns

(Euphorbia milii)

Crown of thorns, also known as Christ thorn

Bursting with a fascinating pollination routine, crown of thorns predominantly relies on bees and beetles for successful pollination. The plant lures these industrious pollinators with its brightly colored bracts and nectar rewards. Perfectly synchronized, crown of thorns's flowering often occurs between spring and late summer to capitalize on increased insect activity. This well-timed interaction underscores the marvel of nature and the plant's role in sustaining biodiversity.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Crown Of Thorns?

Bloom Time

All year round

Primary pollinators

Bees, Beetles

Potential pollinators

Flies

How Does Pollination Occur in Crown Of Thorns?

Crown of thorns produces small, intensely colored, cup-shaped flowers in clusters. Central flowers, known as cyathia, contain the actual reproductive parts while the colorful bracts surrounding them serve to attract pollinators.

For crown of thorns, pollination typically occurs via insects, specifically bees and beetles, which get attracted to its colorful bracts and inadvertently transfer pollen from male to female flowers.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Crown Of Thorns?

Flower Diversity

Planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year can help to attract a constant population of Bees and Beetles to your garden or farm, ensuring pollination occurs throughout the growing season.

Water Source

Providing a shallow water source with landing spots, such as rocks poking out of the water, can attract Bees and Beetles. These pollinators need water for consumption and cooling. Make sure the water source is clean and fresh.

Minimize Pesticides

Bees, Beetles, and Flies are all susceptible to pesticides. Minimize their use, especially non-organic pesticides that are highly toxic to bees and beetles. Try to use organic or least-toxic pest management strategies instead to maintain a healthy pollinator population.

Shelter

Providing proper habitats and shelters, such as beetle banks or bee houses, can encourage these pollinators to settle and multiply, increasing your chances of effective pollination. Dead wood and leaf litter can also provide shelters for beetles.

How Can You Determine if Crown Of Thorns has Been Pollinated?

Flower Formation

In crown of thorns, successful pollination often leads to the development of new flowers. Observe for increased flower formation.

Fruit Development

Though crown of thorns doesn't regularly bear fruit, successful pollination might cause the formation of small, lobed fruits with peduncles (stalks).

Color Change

Crown of thorns may show color changes in pistils or stamens post-pollination. Signs of successful pollination include the darkening or shriveling of these flower parts.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Crown Of Thorns

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Crown Of Thorns?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush can be used to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.

Tweezers

Tweezers may be needed for removing petals or accessing hard-to-reach places.

Magnifying Glass

A magnifying glass may help in identifying the stamen and pistil accurately.

Gloves

Rubber gloves are essential as crown of thorns plant has toxic sap that can cause skin irritation.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Crown Of Thorns?

The optimal time for hand-pollination for crown of thorns is during its blooming period, typically in the warmer months. The action is better performed in the morning when the flowers are more likely to be open and when pollen is most viable.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Crown Of Thorns

Step1: Preparation

Put on your gloves to protect yourself from the plant's toxic sap. Then, carefully remove a flower from the crown of thorns with your tweezers.

Step2: CollectingPollen

Use your magnifying glass to identify the stamens, which hold the pollen. Then, gently brush the stamen with your small brush to collect pollen on its bristles.

Step3: ApplyingPollen

Find another flower on the crown of thorns which is in a different stage of blooming. Identify the pistil and carefully transfer the pollen gathered on the brush to it. Ensure to touch the center part of the pistil where the pollen needs to land to ensure successful pollination.

Step4: RepeatProcess

Continue these steps for all the flowers that are ready for pollination. As a best practice, do not reuse the same brush for a new collection without cleaning to prevent potential cross-contamination.

Step5: CleanUp

After completing the process, clean all the tools used and remove gloves.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Crown Of Thorns Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Lack of Pollinators

If crown of thorns isn't pollinating, it might be due to insufficient pollinators. Planting native flowers nearby or installing solitary bee homes can attract more pollinators.

Poor Pollination Conditions

Adverse conditions like excessive temperature, humidity, or inadequate light can affect crown of thorns pollination. Ensure the right growing conditions for successful pollination.

Pesticide Use

Using pesticides can deter pollinators or even kill them, leading to poor pollination in crown of thorns. Reduce pesticide use and opt for organic pest control methods.