Euphorbia tithymaloides, also known as "Devil's Backbone," is an unusual houseplant appreciated for the unique shape of its stems and its decorative foliage. Its upright, zig-zagging stems bear oval, shiny, fleshy leaves of a vibrant green, sometimes edged with red or tinged with pink depending on light exposure. This zig-zag growth gives it a unique, graphic appearance that immediately catches the eye. Under good conditions, the plant can reach 60 to 100 cm in height, forming a compact, branched shrub.
Caution, handle with care! The sap, which contains latex, can cause irritation upon contact with skin and eyes. Risk of toxicity if ingested.
- Family: Euphorbiaceae.
- Origin: Tropical and subtropical America.
- Watering:
- Spring - Summer: Allow half of the potting soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fall - Winter: Allow the potting soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Ambient humidity: Low to moderate.
- Potting soil type: Dry and well-draining.
- Avoid letting water sit in the saucer.
- Light: Moderate to High.
- Orientation: West, East, or 1 m from a South-facing window.
- Growth: Fast.
- Temperature: Average, maintain around 20ᵒC.
Pot diameter: 10 cm.
Grown in Quebec.
Like nature, each plant is unique. Natural items are all different and may contain irregularities.
