Houseplants - Crown-of-Thorns
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  My crown of thorns plant has grown beautifully tall since I brought it home approximately two years ago. But it grows tall instead of bushy. It does not appear root-bound. What can I do to help it become fuller instead of tall and to guarantee it thrives indoors this winter?

  Let the plant go this winter and then prune it back in the spring, avoiding the sticky white sap that it produces. This should encourage it to bush out instead of growing straight up. For the winter, give it bright light, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

  Enclosed are leaves from a cactus-like plant that was given to me years ago. It has grown tall –over 4 feet, thin and very healthy. Will it just keep growing up, or can I cut it back to make it thicker at the base? I have no idea what the plant is, so it is hard to get information about it.

  The plant in question is a Crown-of-thorns, Euphorbia milii. If you want to encourage branching you can cut it back, preferably in the spring, before new growth begins. Where you make the pruning cut, it should branch out. Beware of the milky sap that will come out of the cut ends–like all euphorbias, it can cause a rash in allergic people–and keep it clear of your eyes and mouth. You can cut the portion you have removed into 3 - 4 inch cuttings to root new plants. Let them air dry for 24 hours before inserting them into moist potting soil to root them.

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