- Flowering Tropical Plant
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 3 Feet
Devil’s Backbone, ZigZag Plant, Red Flower Plant, and Fiddle Flower are all common names for Euphorbia tithymaloides. This flowering succulent is part of the same genus that includes the Crown of Thorns and the popular and well-known Poinsettia. Devil’s Backbone is native to Mexico and Central America and easily grown as a landscape plant in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. The succulent leaves grow in pairs along symmetrically jointed stems, which become bare as the plant grows taller and matures. Growing this houseplant is easy, with little maintenance necessary.
Best Locations For Growing Euphorbia Tithymaloides
This Euphorbia is perfect growing in a brightly lit room almost anywhere in the house. It thrives in average room temperatures between 68-85 degrees F and does not require extra humidity. This plant exudes latex when cut, an irritant for those who are allergic. Devil’s Backbone should be grown out of the reach of pets and children.
Euphorbia Tithymaloides Sunlight Requirements
Most Euphorbias will display the best leaf and bract color when grown in bright filtered light levels. South-facing windows are perfect, although, during hot summers, the plant may need to be moved back from direct sun exposure.
Euphorbia Tithymaloides Care
Plant this Euphorbia in a rich, soil-based, indoor potting mix. If the soil seems too heavy, add more perlite or vermiculite for drainage. Unglazed terracotta pots are ideal homes for Euphorbia. These porous pots allow the soil to dry faster than a plastic pot, resulting in less chance of root rot from overwatering. Pruning is not needed for shaping. Taking off damaged or dying leaves and stems can be done any time of the year.
Watering Euphorbia Tithymaloides
The key to keeping Euphorbia happy is to water with very small amounts 2 or 3 times a week. Do not saturate the soil. Misting the soil with water is another great way to ensure that Euphorbia is not overwatered. After the Devil’s Backbone has finished flowering, it requires less watering. Allow the soil to dry fully between sessions.
Feeding Euphorbia Tithymaloides
Fertilize with an all-purpose, balanced houseplant feed in the spring and the summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the manufacturer's recommendation and apply once every 2-3 weeks during the spring and until the plant stops blooming in summer. Fertilizing in the fall and winter is not necessary.
Euphorbia Tithymaloides Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Average - When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: No |
Kid Friendly: No |
Air Purifier: Moderate |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 2-3 feet |
Mature Spread: 18-24 inches |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): Pink, Red, White |
Flower Shade/Description: White, Pink, Red |
Fragrant: No |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Dark Green |
Temperature: 75° - 85°F (24° - 29°C) |
Humidity: Low |
Common Name: Euphorbia Tithymaloides |
Other Name(s): Devil's Backbone |
Scientific Name: Euphorbia tithymaloides |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Succ_Euphorbia_Devils.Backbone-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
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