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devil's backbone plant indoor or outdoor

devil's backbone plant indoor or outdoor Shop 'Devils Backbone Plant - Euphorbia tithymaloides' Care & Info

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Description

devil's backbone plant indoor or outdoor Shop 'Devils Backbone Plant - Euphorbia tithymaloides' Care & InfoIntroducing the devil's backbone plant, known as Euphorbia tithymaloides (formerly called Pedilanthus tithymaloides), which is a popular succulent that is known for its crooked growth pattern on upright stems. Native to the tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, with its distinctive zigzag pattern along the stems, it's hard to miss this intriguing plant. Apart from Devil's Backbone, this Euphorbia tithymaloides has a lot of other

Introducing the devil's backbone plant, known as Euphorbia tithymaloides (formerly called Pedilanthus tithymaloides), which is a popular succulent that is known for its crooked growth pattern on upright stems. Native to the tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, with its distinctive zigzag pattern along the stems, it's hard to miss this intriguing plant. 

Apart from Devil's Backbone, this Euphorbia tithymaloides has a lot of other common names used by gardners, such as: Redbird Cactus, Jacob's Ladder plant, Zig zag Plant, Red Slipper Spurge, Buck Thorn, Christmas Candle, Cimora Misha, Fiddle Flower, Ipecacuahana, Japanese Poinsettia, Jewbush, Milk Hedge, Jew's Slipper, Myrtle-leaved Spurge, Padus-leaved Clipper Plant, Redbird Flower,  Slipper Flower, Slipper Plant, and Timora Misha. These names reflect its characteristic zigzag growth pattern and the vibrant red coloration of its stems.  


The Devil's Backbone plant has thick, fleshy bony ridge stems that grow in a zigzag manner with floral leaves, resembling the backbone of a mythical creature.

The stems are typically green, but they turn reddish-pink or maroon when exposed to bright light. The leaves are small and inconspicuous, often falling off as your devil's backbone plant matures.

With numerous branches growing from the base, the devil's backbone plant can grow up to 8 feet tall.

The Devil's Backbone plant flowers are typically red or burgundy in color and this plant generally flowers in the mid-spring. The plant has both true flowers and red leaf bracts, which some gardeners refer to as slipper flowers due to their shoe-shaped appearance.

When and How to Water Your Devils Backbone Plant  

Like other succulents, the Devil's Backbone plant stores water in its leaves and stems. Devil's backbone can withstand dry conditions quite well, so even if you forget to water it occasionally or are unable to do so because of travel or another busy schedule, it will still thrive. 

It's best to let the soil dry out between waterings. This Euphorbia tithymaloides devil backbone plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. When you do water it, give it a good soak until the water drains out of the bottom. Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. 

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, you can water the Devil's Backbone plant once every two to three weeks. In the winter months, when the plant is in its dormant phase, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less, depending on the conditions. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to check the moisture level of the soil before watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Just be careful not to overwater it, as that can lead to root rot. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Devils Backbone Plant

When growing the devil’s backbone plant indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it will receive bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing your devil's backbone potted plant in direct sunlight, as the intense rays can scorch its leaves. If you notice that your Euphorbia tithymaloides devils’ backbone plant leaning towards the light source, rotate it periodically to ensure even growth. 

If grown outdoors, it prefers partial shade to full sun. Find a spot in your garden or patio that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, while offering some shade during the hottest part of the day. This will help prevent leaf burn and maintain the devil's backbone plant's vibrant appearance. 

The devil's backbone plant is known for its adaptability to different light conditions. It can tolerate lower light levels, but this may result in slower growth and less vibrant foliage. On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can cause leaf discoloration or sunburn. Striking a balance between light and shade will help your devil backbone plant thrive and maintain its unique appearance. 

Remember, every plant is unique, and it's important to observe how your Euphorbia tithymaloides respond to its specific light conditions. If it's growing well and maintaining its characteristic zigzag stems and vibrant leaves, then you've found the right balance! 

Optimal Soil & fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to soil, your Euphorbia tithymaloide plant prefers well-drained nutrient-rich soil. A combination of regular potting soil and perlite or sand can work well. The goal is to provide good drainage so that the roots don't sit in water, which can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your devil backbone succulent to thrive. 

As for fertilizer, the Devil's Backbone plant doesn't require frequent feeding. You can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer diluted to half-strength. During the growing season, which is typically spring, you can fertilize your devil’s backbone plant once a year. In the winter months, when it is in its dormant phase, you can skip fertilizing altogether. 

It's important not to over-fertilize your plant, as it can be sensitive to excessive nutrients. If you notice any signs of fertilizer burn, such as brown or crispy leaf tips, reduce the frequency or strength of the fertilizer. Always follow the instructions and err on the side of caution. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to observe your devil's backbone plant Euphorbia tithymaloide, and adjust accordingly. If it's growing well and maintaining its vibrant appearance, then you're on the right track! 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The Devil's Backbone plant is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. If growing indoors, it thrives in average room temperatures between 65°F to 75°F. Keep your Euphorbias away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. As for humidity, it appreciates higher levels, so you can mist the leaves occasionally or place a tray of water near the devil's backbone plant to increase humidity. 

If grown outdoors, these devil's backbone plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It prefers a warm and tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. However, it's important to protect it from frost or freezing temperatures, as it is not frost-tolerant. It can tolerate temperatures outside of its ideal range, but extreme heat or cold may negatively affect its growth. Additionally, your devil's backbone plant can adapt to lower humidity levels, but it may benefit from occasional misting or placement in a more humid environment. 

Remember to monitor the temperature and humidity levels around your Euphorbia tithymaloide Devil's Backbone plant, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure it remains happy and healthy. 

Devils Backbone Plant Propagation

Euphorbia tithymaloidesn can be propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate this plant, simply cut a healthy stem from the mother plant and allow it to callous over for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a warm, bright location to encourage root growth. With proper care, the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks and can be transferred to a larger pot once established.

Key Takeaways 

  1. The Devil's Backbone plant (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts, with its unique zigzag-shaped stems (hence the name zigzag plant) and vibrant green leaves, that make it a visually striking addition to any indoor or outdoor space..
  2. One of the great things about this plant is that it's relatively low maintenance, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced plant owners.
  3. The Euphorbia tithymaloides thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil.
  4. With a moderate watering routine and occasional pruning to maintain its shape, it can bring a touch of exotic beauty to your home or garden.
  5. So, if you're looking for an eye-catching plant that's easy to care for, the Devil's Backbone plant is definitely worth considering!
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P SD
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Well made, minor issue was quickly resolved
Size: Large, Color: Dinos Bruto (Purple)
I purchased the Dino Bruto Dog toy for my labradoodle who is quite fond of squeaky, squawky stuffed toys and oddly enough has shown a preference for purple. I opened the package with my hound standing by waiting for his gift. I detached the tags and attempted to squeak the toy. It seemed difficult to squeak or honk. I tossed the purple Dino Bruto to my dog who excitedly chomped to squeak. The toy squawked a couple times and then just quit. My poor hound was staring up at me with that "what's up with this" look on his face. I tracked down the website for the GoDog toys, not going through the Amazon return process. I called the good people at GoDog and stated simply that my dog's favorite part of the toy failed quite quickly and I was wondering about guarantees. I was told to go to the website and file a replacement request. The replacement request required that I include a photo which I did as directed. I received an reply email within a couple hours which stated that a new toy would be sent out shortly. I am happy to report that we received a replacement toy, not the purple Dino, but a colorful wood duck. The squawker device works well and is still performing like new more than a month later. It appears that the squeaker is not those little plastic squeakers but the bigger heavy plastic bag, bladder, with what I visualize as a duck call sort of sound device. I am guessing because I haven't seen the inside of the GoDog toys. I have seen the guts of other stuffed toys which use this type of noise device. While our dog seems to enjoy the sound of the plastic bag, bladder set-up squawkers, they seem to fail quickly and I tend to avoid them because of this. The toys using this type of squawker that I have seen, use what looks like a cheap lightweight plastic bag which is not securely attached to the "voice box". Since the GoDog replacement toy is holding up so well, I am guessing GoDog uses a heavier grade plastic bladder coupled with reinforced construction. The purple Dino Bruto toy still looks new even after multiple times of our hound grabbing the purple toy, shaking it at us with his invite to give chase or play keep away. Since the squawker failed so quickly with the new toy, I figure it was just a defective item which does not reflect the general quality of toys from GoDog. One evening our neighbor was visiting while his pitbull was playing in our yard with our dog. Our patio door was open so our dog ran into the house and grabbed his purple Dino Bruto toy. He is a bit of a show-off with new toys. Our dog then went racing back into the yard, shaking his GoDog toy at the pitbull. A quick game of tug-of-war ensued. Since this is a new toy, our neighbor leaped into the game and took the toy away from the dogs. In that short time of tugging between the dogs, the toy held together and did not even pull apart at any of the seams. There were no puncture marks either. This is a game our dog has initiated before with the neighbor pitbull. Normally, the stuffed toys are ripped apart almost immediately. I was surprised and impressed with the quality of the sewing which appears to employ some sort of reinforced construction or heavier material. I plan to make more purchases from GoDog toys. The toys are a little more expensive than some stuffed dogs toys but they hold up so well I figure they are worth a few more dollars. They are great toys that hold up well and the company provides quick responses to inquiries. I consider this a winning combination.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2013
J
Verified Purchase
Jan F.
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Good quality
Size: Large, Color: Dinos Frills (Gray)
we’ve had many godog toys over the years and although my dog eventually rips through them I do find that they last longer than other cheap toys. Overall very well made!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
AmazonReviewer
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute and fairly long lasting
Size: Large, Color: Dinos Frills (Red)
Lasted from Nov 13th, 2024-August 20th, 2025 lol very impressive. She played with it nearly daily and loved the big squeak. The squeak box was just ripped out so she probably won’t play with it anymore. Happy to order another!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Marie
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
He was OBSESSED!!!
Size: Large, Color: Dinos Frills (Gray), Size: Large, Color: Dinos Frills (Gray)
Our year and a half old lab was excited the moment he saw it come out of the box ! He had many toys that he tore into shreds within a day so this was his first “heavy toy “ that wasn’t easy to tear . I think he loves the design and feel of it , as he carried this thing EVERYWHERE and even to bed . Him and his sister share toys but this was his , he claimed it lol Now if it wasn’t for us telling him to stop trying to kill the Dino he could have easily tore into this thing within a couple of days . However since he started chewing gently he became obsessed with the squeaker , and used that as an alarm that he was up every morning in bed 😂 The quality of the product is actually pretty good but it’s not bullet proof, and our smart dog was able to sneakily tear a whole in the nose and some how pull out the stuffing . All in all I would definitely buy another toy from this company because they are made with quality for dogs , and lasted about three weeks longer than his average toys ! It was his favorite toy 💕
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Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2023
D
Verified Purchase
David Kuchar
Draper, US
★★★★★ 3
Not indestructible
Size: Large, Color: Dinos Frills (Gray)
When I googled “indestructible stuffy dog toys” this popped up. My 9 month old pup loves stuffies but destroys them quickly and eats stuffing if not caught quickly. Well, this indestructible toy is cute but my dog had it torn apart in under 4 minutes so…🤷🏻‍♀️
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026

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