Devil’s backbone, also known as Jacob’s ladder, Japanese poinsettia, Persian lady slipper plant, and zig-zag plant, is a succulent plant with the scientific name Euphorbia tithymaloides or Pedilanthus tithymaloides. The tropical plant is indigenous to Mexico and Central America.
The devil’s backbone, which belongs to the spurge family of plants, has leaves that are alternately green and white, earning it the nickname “variegated devil’s backbone.” The plant does produce genuine flowers, but it also produces red leaf bracts that some gardeners refer to as slipper flowers because of the way they resemble shoes.
If consumed, the devil’s backbone plant is poisonous to both people and animals, including dogs and cats. The plant’s milky sap should be avoided since it might cause skin irritation; however, you can touch the plant’s green leaves without worrying about toxicity.
Size and Growth
The Devil’s Backbone plant is a shrub that can grow to a maximum height of three to four feet. Small, oval-shaped leaves with sharp tips are produced by the thick branches and stems, which feature a zigzag pattern.
The plant’s leaves may not develop into very thick leaves while it is still maturing. The plant can grow rather bushy as it ages.
It does not grow quickly. It develops slowly and could take several years to reach maturity.
Flowering and Fragrance
The Latin name Pedilanthus (“Slipper Flower”) for devil’s backbone derives from the plant’s tiny slipper-shaped blossoms.
The summer is when the plant blooms. The flowers are tiny, don’t survive very long, and don’t smell.
On tiny, slipper-shaped bracts that extend from the tips of the stalks, orange-red blooms bloom.
Devil’s Backbone Plant Temperature and Light Requirements
Sunlight is essential for this succulent plant. It thrives at a location with all-day sunlight that is shielded from direct sunlight. Look for areas with some light and some shade.
The USDA hardiness zone 911 is the one that is advised for cultivation. Move the plant inside throughout the winter if it gets colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s a tropical plant that requires both moisture and sunlight. If kept in a humid environment, it can survive inside at room temperature.
TIP: Use a spray bottle to lightly wet the leaves and branches to increase the humidity.
Zigzag Plant CareWatering and Feeding Jacob’s Ladder
Although the zigzag plant can withstand drought, it thrives in moist soil with frequent summer watering and little to no watering in the winter. Water sparingly in the spring and fall.
Every three to four weeks, from the beginning of spring until the middle of summer, add a liquid fertilizer when watering.
Soil and Transplanting
Use a commercial cactus mix or make your own potting soil mixture to maintain the health of this plant. To aid in absorbing extra water, you might also want to add a small amount of peat moss.
Every two to three years, the plant needs to be replanted in a soil mixture with good drainage. Prepare the new pot before transplanting.
The plant is simple to remove from its container, shake the dirt off the roots, and set it in the new pot.
Jacob’s Ladder Care TipsWhat To Do Month by Month
October-March During the winter, the devil’s backbone plant rests; do not fertilize. As much brilliant light as you can muster
April-May Increase your watering and start feeding every three or four weeks. Keep plants in a lot of light, preferably some direct sunlight. In the spring, the sunshine will be more powerful and could damage the leaves.
June-July Water should be abundant, as well as lots of bright light. Approaching the end of July, stop fertilizing. When to start new plants from cuttings is ideal.
August-September While Jacob’s ladder gets ready for its winter rest, irrigation should be reduced.
Is a succulent a zigzag plant?
- The zigzag plant, also known as Euphorbia tithymaloides ‘Variegatus, is a succulent spurge that forms a colorful houseplant thanks to its unique design. With leaves at the outer points of each zigzag, the medium-green stems develop in a zigzag pattern. Medium to light green leaves with pink and white speckles. Indoors, this plant rarely blooms. It should be cultivated in a terra-cotta container with sandy soil that drains nicely. Before transplanting the plant, allow it to become root-bound. Cuttings can be used to readily disseminate it. Care should be given when handling the zigzag plant because it possesses white latex sap, similar to the poinsettia, another member of the Euphorbia family. In the desert habitat in the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a zigzag plant can be seen.
What is it for
Devil’s backbone is frequently used to treat fever, cough, diarrheal episodes, inflammatory and infectious disorders, as well as wound healing. It is also utilized in individuals with psychiatric diseases like panic attacks and schizophrenia since it has sedative effects.
Because it has a high cytotoxic property and targets cancer cells, it can be beneficial in the fight against cancer. However, there is currently little scientific data to support this advantage of eating the plant’s leaves directly.
Do succulents include Euphorbia Tithymaloides?
A succulent, perennial shrub known as Euphorbia tithymaloides is frequently grown for decorative purposes. This plant, which is native to the Americas but has since spread to Africa, Asia, and Oceania, grows on rocky soils in arid, sunny environments like hillsides, wastelands, and roadside. In New Caledonia, Wake Island, the British Indian Ocean Territory, and Cuba, it is currently classified as invasive. Its environmental impact on native species and habitats is unknown despite the Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment classifying it as high risk.
How often should Devil’s Backbone be watered?
Despite its widespread name, the zigzag plant, sometimes known as devil’s backbackbone, is a delight to grow. It’s a beautiful, simple houseplant that grows easily, purifies the air, and adds a touch of drama to interior design if you have a bright space. Devil’s backbone thrives in arid environments, so it will survive if you occasionally forget to water it (or are unable to water it because of travel or other commitments). The intriguing pattern that the stems create as they grow is how devil’s backbone got its common names.
A tall, upright planter will highlight the dramatic upright shape of the devil’s backbone, which makes for a lovely indoor display. Chevron or zigzag-patterned containers are also great for showcasing it since they draw attention to the various shapes of the stems.
Questions about the Devil’s Backbone Send our specialists an email if you have any concerns about this low-maintenance houseplant!
Devil’s Backbone Growing Instructions
Devil’s backbone is an entertaining houseplant for a light-to-medium area. It can endure low light for a long time, but gradually it begins to lean toward the light, grows lanky, and loses its attractiveness (hence we don’t advise using it in low light). Devil’s backbone can withstand direct sunlight on its leaves indoors, and in sufficient light, the foliage may even take on pink or copper tones.
When the soil begins to dry out, water devil’s backbone. It can live for longer periods without water, although if it does, it tends to lose its bottom leaves. The leaf dropping usually stops once the plant is properly watered once more. View further low-water houseplant choices!
When it comes to humidity, devil’s backbone is one of the simpler houseplants; low, normal, and high humidity levels are all acceptable.
Devil’s backbone does not require fertilization or pruning. But if you want it to grow more quickly, you can fertilize it a few times a year. In this situation, we advise applying a fertilizer for indoor plants and adhering to the product’s label instructions.
Add these varieties to your Devil’s Backbone:
Begonia Rex The amazing foliage of the Rex begonia contrasts well with the devil’s backbone’s skeletal appearance.
Viper Plant Another simple-to-grow houseplant with a current, modern appearance is the snake plant.
Croton The wildly variegated foliage of croton adds a burst of color to the devil’s backbone.
What makes it the “Devil’s Backbone”?
On the limestone ridge known as Devil’s Backbone, a Civil War combat is supposed to have lasted the entire time. Robert Kelly, a frequent customer at the bar who claims to occasionally spot shadowy figures atop the Devil’s Backbone, for which the restaurant is named, remarked, “Oh, there are ghosts, I guaran-goddamn-tee you.
Are fishbone cacti considered succulents?
The succulent Epiphyllum anguliger requires little maintenance. It is also referred to as a Ric Rac Cactus, Zig Zag Cactus, and Fishbone Cactus. The long, trailing stems of the fishbone cactus are formed like zigzag fishbones.
Is a cactus a zigzag plant?
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The highly unusual tropical flowering zig-zag cactus (selenicereus anthonyanus) is native to Mexico and South America. This plant quickly develops roots in water and is simple to replicate from a cutting. Because of its fishbone shape and exquisite, uncommon blossoms, the zig zag cactus is also known as the “orchid cactus,” “rick rack cactus,” “ric rac cactus,” “fishbone cactus,” “moonlight cactus,” and “Saint Anthony’s ric rac.”
Care for cuttings of zigzag cactus differs differently from that for philodendrons, pothos, and succulents. More like orchids and other epiphytic plants in terms of care. Starting with a peat moss and soil blend, containing 30% peat moss and 70% well-draining soil, such as our Fernseed Potting Mix, is what we advise. If peat moss is unavailable, you can use an orchid potting media, orchid bark, or bark chips as a substitute.
Put the roots portion of your new zig-zag cactus into the potting soil with care, being careful not to pack the soil down too firmly. Your zigzag cactus cannot establish a strong root system because it needs airflow to its roots to survive. Compacted soil prevents this from happening.
Your zigzag cactus will start to establish roots in the soil over the following few weeks as it gets used to its new environment.
Is the Devil’s Backbone plant toxic?
This plant’s scientific name, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, translates to foot-shaped blossom. The plant is indigenous to the American tropics, but only USDA zones 9 and 10 can support it. With its 2 foot (61 cm) tall stems, alternating leaves, and vibrant “flowers” that are actually bracts or modified leaves, it makes a fantastic houseplant.
On wiry stems, the lance-shaped, thick leaves are present. The bracts might be pink, red, green, white, or green. It belongs to the spurge family of plants. Information on devil’s backbone plants would be incomplete without mentioning that some people may be poisoned by the milky sap. The plant should be handled with caution.
Are you able to spread Devil’s Backbone?
Devil’s backbone, or Pedilanthus, is best propagated in the spring since it is actively growing and, in the correct circumstances, will swiftly create roots. Take a cutting from the tip of a non-blooming stem after the plant has developed new growth. Cuttings should have a few leaves at the tip and a few at the base and be at least an inch long. Avoid cutting flower-adorned stems or remove the blossoms first.
When growing the devil’s backbone plant, cleanliness and security are essential. A sharp gardening knife’s blade should be cleaned in hot water and then wiped down with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. When handling devil’s backbone plants, put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from the sap’s milky, latex-like consistency. When gathering cuttings, have a paper cup with water in it so you can rinse the sap off.
Remove all of the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting made by cutting straight through the stem of the devil’s backbone plant just below a set of leaves. To stop the sap from flowing, plunge the cutting’s severed end right away into the water in the cup. When the sap stops flowing, place the cutting on a piece of newspaper and place it somewhere dry and shaded that is also airy and dry. Fine Gardening advises allowing the cutting to dry for a minimum of one day and a maximum of one week. When the cut end of the cutting seems calloused and dry, it is time to plant it.
Is Florida the home of Devils Backbone?
The zigzagged-stemmed, succulent shrub known as variegated Devil’s Backbone, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, is a native of dry tropical woods in Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.