How to Grow and Care for Devil's-backbone

Devil's-backbone, also known as Redbird flower, Christmas candle, Slipper flower, Zig-zag plant, Japanese poinsettia, Pedilanthus tithymaloides

Devil's-backbone requires minimal maintenance, thriving in environments with bright, indirect light and moderate watering—allowing the soil to dry out between sessions. Special care must be taken with its toxic sap, which necessitates handling with gloves during pruning or repotting to prevent skin irritation.

Watering schedule: Every 3 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Devil's-backbone

Toughness	Medium
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 3 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Succulent & Cactus Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Early summer, Late summer, Fall
Hardiness Zones	10-12
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Devil's-backbone

Devil's-backbone 'Variegata'

Devil's-backbone 'Variegata''s starry red flowers and multicolored leaves give this cultivar its beautiful look. Cultivated as a hybrid, it was named after its (usually) evergreen variegated foliage. Devil's-backbone 'Variegata' is beloved for its profuse blooms, seasonal ornamental value, and ease of care.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Devil's-backbone

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More General Info About Devil's-backbone

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Quickly Identify Devil's-backbone

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Devil's-backbone is a distinctive succulent shrub recognized for its unique zig-zag patterned stems, which display a notable green coloration. The shrub is interspersed with alternate leaves that are simple, pointed, and can either be uniformly green or variegated with white edges. An eye-catching feature is its flowers that exhibit a vibrant red hue, clustered at the terminal ends of the branches. Each flower gives way to a capsule-like fruit. These characteristics make devil's-backbone a fascinating plant for observers and enthusiasts to identify.