All You Need to Know about Devil’s Backbone Plant

Devil’s Backbone, also known as the zigzag plant or the candelabra cactus, is a succulent plant native to Madagascar, Africa, and parts of India. Its scientific name is Euphorbia tithymaloides.

One of the most striking features of the Devil’s Backbone plant is its unique flowers. The flowers are small and yellowish-green in color, and they are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems.

How to grow and take care of Devil’s Backbone Plant?

Devil’s Backbone Plant, also known as the Pedilanthus tithymaloides, is a succulent plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Devil’s Backbone Plant:

  1. Soil and Watering: Devil’s Backbone Plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Make sure the soil is dry before watering, and only water when the top inch of soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
  2. Light: Devil’s Backbone Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch the leaves. If you are growing it indoors, place it near a window with bright, filtered light.
  3. Temperature: Devil’s Backbone Plant prefers warm temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Fertilizer: Devil’s Backbone Plant doesn’t need much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  5. Pruning: Prune the plant to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  6. Propagation: Devil’s Backbone Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.
  7. Pests and Diseases: Devil’s Backbone Plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, if you notice any pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

By following these tips, you can easily grow and take care of Devil’s Backbone Plant.

What it’s lifespan?

Devil’s Backbone Plant can have a lifespan of several years, typically up to 5-7 years, with proper care. However, their lifespan can be extended by providing them with optimal growing conditions, including appropriate lighting, watering, and soil. In some cases, Devil’s Backbone Plants can even live up to 20 years or more. As with any plant, the lifespan of Devil’s Backbone Plant can be influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and care.

How to water it?

When it comes to watering Devil’s Backbone Plant, it’s important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Here are some tips on how to water Devil’s Backbone Plant:

  1. Check the soil moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
  2. Water thoroughly: When watering, make sure to water thoroughly until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the roots receive enough water and prevents water from pooling in the bottom of the pot.
  3. Allow the soil to dry out: After watering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and damage the plant.
  4. Adjust watering based on season: In the winter, Devil’s Backbone Plant may require less frequent watering as it enters a dormant phase. In the summer, when the plant is actively growing, it may require more frequent watering.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Devil’s Backbone Plant is properly watered and healthy.

How to prune it?

Pruning Devil’s Backbone Plant is essential for maintaining its shape and removing any dead or damaged branches. Here are the steps to follow when pruning Devil’s Backbone Plant:

  1. Use clean, sharp pruning shears: Before you start pruning, make sure your pruning shears are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the plant.
  2. Identify the branches to be pruned: Look for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and identify the ones that need to be pruned.
  3. Make the cut: Cut the identified branches using the pruning shears. Make the cut just above a leaf or node, and angle the cut away from the plant to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface.
  4. Shape the plant: If you want to shape the plant, prune the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth.
  5. Clean up the debris: Remove any fallen leaves or branches and dispose of them properly.

By following these steps, you can keep your Devil’s Backbone Plant healthy and well-maintained. Pruning can also encourage new growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant.

How big does it grow?

Devil’s Backbone Plant, also known as Pedilanthus tithymaloides, can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide in ideal growing conditions. However, the size of the plant can vary depending on the environment, the quality of care provided, and the specific cultivar.

Some cultivars of Devil’s Backbone Plant are smaller, growing to only a few inches in height, while others can grow up to several feet tall. With proper pruning, the plant can be shaped and kept at a desirable size for indoor or outdoor growing.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Devil’s Backbone Plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix for Devil’s Backbone Plant is one that is formulated for cacti and succulents, which is typically a blend of sand, perlite, and peat moss. This type of soil allows for good drainage and aeration, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can cause root rot.

You can also mix in some organic matter such as compost or worm castings to provide the plant with nutrients. If you are growing Devil’s Backbone Plant in a container, make sure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.

Where can I buy it?

Devil’s Backbone Plant, also known as Pedilanthus tithymaloides, can be found at many garden centers, plant nurseries, and online plant retailers. Here are some places where you can purchase Devil’s Backbone Plant:

  1. Local garden centers and nurseries: Check with your local garden center or nursery to see if they carry Devil’s Backbone Plant.
  2. Online plant retailers: Many online retailers, such as Amazon, Etsy, and The Sill, offer a variety of Devil’s Backbone Plant cultivars that can be purchased and delivered to your doorstep.
  3. Plant shows and markets: Look for local plant shows or markets in your area, as they often have vendors selling a variety of plants, including Devil’s Backbone Plant.

When purchasing Devil’s Backbone Plant, make sure to choose a healthy-looking plant with no signs of pests or disease. Additionally, check that the plant has good drainage and is planted in a suitable potting mix.

Summary

  • Devil’s Backbone Plant is a unique and attractive succulent that can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
  • It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering and root rot.
  • Pruning is necessary to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage bushier growth.
  • Devil’s Backbone Plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, but its size can be managed with proper pruning.
  • A suitable soil mix for Devil’s Backbone Plant is one that is formulated for cacti and succulents, which is typically a blend of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
  • Devil’s Backbone Plant can be purchased at local garden centers and nurseries, online plant retailers, and plant shows and markets.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow and care for Devil’s Backbone Plant, and enjoy its unique and interesting appearance.

Have a nice day!

Ari Iniesta

Ari Iniesta

Total posts created: 199
Hello fellow succulent enthusiast! My name is Ari Iniesta, and I'm a succulent enthusiast. I was born and raised in a small town in southern Spain, where the warm climate and dry conditions allowed me to develop a love for plants that are able to thrive in harsh environments. As I got older, my interest in succulents only grew stronger. I began to study horticulture and botany, and I even started my own collection of rare and exotic succulents from around the world.

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