Description
Euphorbia tithymaloides is a fascinating ornamental succulent shrub, admired for its distinctive zigzag stems, attractive green foliage and unusual growth habit. Commonly known as Devil’s Backbone or Zigzag Plant, its alternating leaves and angular stems create a striking architectural appearance that makes it a wonderful addition to plant collections.
Native to tropical regions of the Americas, this hardy and adaptable plant thrives in warm conditions and can be grown in bright indoor spaces, sheltered patios and sunny gardens. Its unusual structure, colourful flowers and relatively easy care requirements make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for something different.
Plant Details
Botanical Name: Euphorbia tithymaloides (syn. Pedilanthus tithymaloides)
Common Name: Devil’s Backbone • Zigzag Plant • Slipper Plant
Plant Type: Succulent Shrub
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, branching, with distinctive zigzag stems
Mature Size: Approximately 1–2 metres tall × 60–100 cm wide in suitable growing conditions
Care Guide
☀️ Light:
Prefers bright light with several hours of gentle direct sunlight. In Malta, it grows well in bright outdoor positions with some protection from intense summer afternoon sun. Indoor plants should be placed near a bright window.
💧 Watering:
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the upper portion of the compost to dry between waterings. Reduce watering during winter when growth slows. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, which may cause root rot.
🌱 Soil:
Use a free-draining cactus and succulent compost or a well-aerated potting mix with added perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential for healthy growth.
🌡 Temperature:
Best grown between 18–30°C. Well suited to Malta’s warm climate but should be protected from frost and prolonged temperatures below 10°C.
🌸 Flowering
Mature plants may produce unusual reddish-pink to bright red floral structures near the tips of their stems, particularly during warmer months.
These distinctive flowers are surrounded by colourful, slipper-shaped bracts, giving the plant its common name, Slipper Plant. Flowering is more likely in established specimens receiving plenty of bright light.
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Unique zigzag stems with an architectural appearance
✔ Attractive green foliage and unusual branching growth
✔ Produces distinctive reddish-pink flowers
✔ Easy to grow in warm, bright conditions
✔ Suitable for decorative containers and sheltered patios
✔ An interesting addition to succulent and tropical plant collections
Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
A relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives with bright light, well-draining compost and moderate watering. Regular pruning can help maintain a compact, bushy appearance.
Pet Safety: 🐾 Keep Out of Reach of Pets
Euphorbia tithymaloides is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Like other members of the Euphorbia family, it produces a milky latex sap that can cause skin irritation, serious eye injury and digestive upset.
Keep away from pets and young children. Always wear gloves when pruning or handling damaged stems, and avoid contact with the eyes.
Good to Know
The name Devil’s Backbone comes from the plant’s distinctive zigzag stems, which change direction at each leaf node, creating an unusual angular appearance.
Although commonly grown alongside succulents, Euphorbia tithymaloides is a tropical succulent shrub rather than a true cactus.
Its former botanical name, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, is still widely used in horticulture, so the plant may be sold under either name.
In cooler conditions or during periods of drought, the plant may naturally shed some of its leaves. The distinctive green stems remain ornamental even when the foliage is reduced.
Regular pruning encourages branching and helps create a fuller plant. However, always handle cut stems carefully because of their irritating milky sap.
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The Price is per one individual plant.
