Euphorbia Tithymaloides

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

2 - 3 Feet

Mature Spread

1 - 2 Feet

Feature

Low Maintenance

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.

SKU:

Succ_Euphorbia_Devils.Backbone-HP