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

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.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Euphorbia Tithymaloides

Best Locations For Growing Euphorbia Tithymaloides

Euphorbia Tithymaloides Sunlight Requirements