Pedilanthus tithymaloides ‘Devil's Backbone’

English name(s): Variegated Devils Backbone, Japanese Poinsettia, Slipper Spurge, Redbird Cactus.

Devils Backbone is a common succulent from the Tropical Americas found mostly in house gardens. The fleshy tubular stems are thin pencil like, grow zig zag and produce thick, dark-green or variegated, fleshy, cordate leaves. Devil's Backbone has bright white and pink colored flowers. The plant makes a good hedge/border plant, which can be trimmed.

Uses: Great for borders, containers, edging, fillers, ground covers, rock gardens, xeriscaping, and coastal gardens.

Height:Up to 6 feet.

Difficulty to grow:Easy to grow.

Care: Re-pot when the plant performs clump and goes beyond the pot size. It should be done before or after the rainy season and in the spring season.

Sunlight:Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil:Well-drained soil

Water:Medium

Fertilizer:Apply any organic fertilizer.

References:

T.K. Bose, B. Chowdhury (1991). Tropical Garden Plants. Horticulture and allied publishers.
B.B Sharma (2007). A guide to home gardening.