Growing and Caring for Devil’s Backbone Plant (Euphorbia tithymaloides)

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One of the most exciting and easy to care for houseplants to add to your home is the Devil’s Backbone.

The Devil’s Backbone plant is a tropical succulent native to the tropical and subtropical regions of North and Central America, including Mexico. Today, however, the plant is endangered in many parts of Central America. 

This plant received the nickname “Devil’s Backbone” and many others thanks to its alternating leaf pattern which can resemble a spine. Its leaves are variegated with yellow and cream streaks. It produces blooms often described as beak- or slipper-shaped. 

So without further ado, here’s everything you need to know in order to grow and care for E. tithymaloides.

Plant Facts

How to Grow the Devil’s Backbone

It is best to grow E. tithymaloides indoors, within the safety of your home. While they are much more likely to bloom outdoors, this species is specifically known for the beauty of its leaves and will better thrive if kept indoors. 

Just be sure to provide the zig zag plant with nutritious soil, a well-draining pot, and bright indirect sunlight. 

Propagation

Propagating E. tithymaloides is extremely simple in comparison with other common houseplants making it an even better choice for beginners. While it is possible to propagate the seeds your individual produces, it is much easier and time-efficient to propagate with stem cuttings. 

Look for the healthiest, strongest-looking stem that is at least 5 inches long— choosing the right stem will give it a better chance at rooting because of the stored energy within it. 

With a clean pair of scissors, cut away a 4 to 6 inch portion of the stem being sure there is at least one leaf growing from that portion. Since only one leaf is necessary for propagation, you may take several cuttings from the same individual. 

Let your new cutting dry for a few days, 24 hours at minimum, in order to form a callus on the cut end. The callus will protect your new growth from forming blackleg and will promote the growth of its own root system. 

Once the callus has formed and any excess sap has dried, stick your houseplant into a fresh pot of soil mixed with perlite or moist sand. Keep the soil moist until it has rooted. You do not have to repot once it has rooted but repotting will not harm your new plant. 

The best time to propagate E. tithymaloides is during the late spring or early summer and once your new cutting has rooted, take care of it the same way you would an adult plant. If you want your houseplant to more resemble a bush, another option is to plant your cutting next to your original plant. 

Just make sure your pot is large enough for another root system to form. Also, it is important that you wear gloves when touching E. tithymaloides as its milky sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. 

Soil

Because this houseplant is a type of succulent, it does not need much water and requires well-draining soil in order to rid itself of any excess moisture.

The devil’s backbone plant grows well in moist soil. Cactus potting mix is a great way to steer clear of excess moisture, however, it does not provide great nutrition to your houseplant. A similar alternative is to add peat moss, sand, or vermiculite to any regular potting soil which will help absorb excess moisture while providing nutrients to your plant. 

Perlite is another great option for ensuring your potted plant is provided with nutrients and always be sure to use a pot that contains drainage holes, as well.

Pruning

While pruning is not necessary for the plant’s health, it is a great way to keep your plant looking healthy. These plants can reach up to five feet tall when left alone, so you may want to prune to keep it at a certain height. 

Pruning in the late winter may also help to promote new growth in the early spring. 

Always be sure to use clean shears when pruning so as not to spread any disease or infection throughout the plant and do not make unnecessary cuts. Too much trauma to the new plants will weaken it and lessen its ability to grow. 

It is important that you wear gloves when touching the leaves as its sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. 

Repotting and Transplanting

Repotting is necessary for most house plants and is an important step in improving the air circulation of your E. tithymaloides. You want to repot every three to five years as well as when the houseplant seems to be outgrowing its pot. Doing so will prevent the plant from developing issues caused by fungus or pests. 

As with propagation, it is best to repot during the spring and summer months. 

Devils Backbone Plant Care Guide

Here are some tips on caring for E. tithymaloides healthy growth once it is in the container.

Water

Though  E. tithymaloides is tropical, it is also a succulent and is, therefore, drought-tolerant. But leaf drop indicates that it needs water right away.

When the soil begins to dry up, water devil’s backbone. You can check by sticking your finger into the soil and also by picking up the pot to feel its weight.

E. tithymaloides prefers slightly moist soil to soggy soil. A great way to ensure this is by planting it in an unglazed, well-draining pot that contains soil mixed with sand, perlite, or peat moss. 

During the summer months, it is important to water every time the top half of the soil is dry. You can go slightly longer between waterings in the spring and fall and will want to severely limit the amount of water provided during the winter months. 

Sunlight

The best type of sunlight for your Devil’s Backbone is bright but indirect sun during the spring and summer months. It is extremely important that you do not let the container sit in the sun during these months as too much sunlight can cause extreme damage to its foliage. 

You can easily tell if the houseplant is being burnt by the sun as its leaves will curl in on themselves and they will look dull, brown, and crispy. It is best to place your plant in front of a window that has blinds or a light curtain so that you can control the amount of sunlight received. 

During the fall and winter months, you can allow the houseplant to have a little more direct sun throughout the day as the sun’s rays are not as intense during this time. Make sure you provide it with plenty of direct sunlight during the winter so it does not develop root rot from excess moisture. 

Temperature and Humidity

Being a tropical plant, the Devil’s Backbone definitely prefers a warmer environment and thrives when in temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees F. They are, however, a resilient species and can withstand temperatures as high as 80 degrees F and as low as 50 degrees F for short periods of time.

If you do happen to have the specimen outside, be sure to bring it inside if temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. 

When it comes to humidity, Devil’s Backbone is one of the more forgiving houseplants. Even though it is a tropical plant, it can do well in low and average humidity environments. That being said, proper humidity can increase the growth rate. 

Fertilizer

While fertilizer is not absolutely necessary to grow a healthy plant, fertilizing your Devil’s Backbone will increase its growth and output of blooms. 

During the spring and summer months, its growing period, you want to fertilize your plant every three to four waterings. This will increase the amount of growth it experiences, including the number of flowers it produces. 

In the fall and winter months, you can cut back on fertilization and only include it every five to six waterings. 

Use liquid fertilizer – if you can, look for one that is specific to cacti and/or succulents.  

Pest and diseases

You should not be overly concerned about your Devil’s Backbone being threatened by pests, however, it is something to consider when growing any plant inside. Similarly, while Devil’s Backbone is not predisposed to any particular fungus or bacteria, there is always a risk. 

Some common pests you may encounter when growing this species are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. 

FAQs

Is the Devil’s Backbone plant poisonous?

The Devil’s Backbone plant (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) is considered mildly toxic. Ingesting the plant’s milky sap may cause irritation and discomfort, so caution is advised, especially for households with pets or small children.

Can Devils backbone be planted in the ground?

Yes, Devil’s Backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) can be planted in the ground, especially in warm climates. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full to partial sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in appropriate conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cultivating and caring for the Devil’s Backbone plant (Euphorbia tithymaloides) offers an exciting and visually appealing addition to your home, with its ability to survive extended periods without water and adaptability to various temperatures and humidities.

As an easy-to-care-for houseplant, its unique features, such as variegated foliage and beak-shaped blooms, make it a standout choice, while simple propagation methods, proper soil considerations, and mindful pruning contribute to its overall health and longevity.

*image by warat42/depositphotos

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