Buy Euphorbia Tithymaloides (Devil's Backbone)
Buy Euphorbia Tithymaloides (Devil's Backbone)
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Add an unusual feature to your plant collection with Euphorbia tithymaloides, commonly known as Devil's Backbone, Zig-Zag Plant, or Redbird Cactus. This distinctive succulent is admired for its unusual zig-zagging stems, fleshy green foliage, and compact growth, making it a popular choice for indoor displays, patios, and drought-tolerant gardens.
The thick, succulent stems grow in a striking zig-zag pattern, with small lance-shaped green leaves arranged along each stem. In bright light or cooler weather, the leaf edges may develop attractive pink or reddish tones. During the warmer months, mature plants can produce small red to pink slipper-shaped flowers that add extra seasonal interest.
Euphorbia tithymaloides is drought tolerant and easy to maintain, making it suitable for beginners and experienced plant collectors alike.
Why You'll Love It
- Unique Zig-Zag Growth – Distinctive stems create an eye-catching architectural display.
- Compact Succulent Shrub – Ideal for pots, patios, and indoor plant collections.
- Seasonal Flowers – Produces small red to pink flowers during the warmer months.
- Easy Care Plant – Requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerant – Well suited to Australia's warm climate.
- Excellent Feature Plant – Adds texture and structure to modern indoor and outdoor spaces.
Plant Details
- Botanical Name: Euphorbia tithymaloides
- Common Names: Devil's Backbone, Zig-Zag Plant, Redbird Cactus
- Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Plant Type: Succulent shrub
- Growth Habit: Upright branching stems with zig-zag growth
- Leaf Colour: Green with occasional pink or red margins
- Flower Colour: Red to pink
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun
- Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
- Hardiness: Protect from frost
- Uses: Indoor pots, patios, balconies, succulent collections, and drought-tolerant gardens
- Pot Size: 130mm
Growing and Care Guide
Light Requirements
Grow Euphorbia tithymaloides in bright, indirect light or a position with gentle morning sun. Protect the plant from harsh afternoon sun, especially during very hot weather.
Watering Requirements
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. Reduce watering during cooler months when growth slows.
Soil Requirements
Use a free-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Good drainage helps prevent root rot and supports healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm, dry conditions and should be protected from frost and prolonged cold temperatures.
Maintenance
Minimal pruning is required. Wear gloves when handling the plant, as the white milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
Indoor and Outdoor Growing
Euphorbia tithymaloides grows well indoors in bright locations and outdoors in sheltered, sunny areas. It makes an attractive feature in decorative pots, succulent gardens, and water-wise landscapes.
Plant Size and Packaging Information
The plant supplied comes in a 130mm diameter nursery pot.
The first product image is for display purposes only. The product images show a representative example of the plant you will receive. Each Euphorbia tithymaloides grows naturally, so stem shape, leaf colour, branching, and overall size may vary slightly.
Good To Know
- Leaf edges may develop pink or red colouring in brighter light.
- Mature plants can produce small red or pink flowers.
- The white sap may irritate skin and eyes.
- Avoid overwatering to keep roots healthy.
FAQ
Is Euphorbia tithymaloides easy to grow?
Yes. It is a hardy, low-maintenance succulent suitable for beginners.
Can Devil's Backbone grow indoors?
Yes. It grows very well indoors in bright, indirect light.
How often should I water Euphorbia tithymaloides?
Water only after the soil has dried. Reduce watering during winter.
Is Devil's Backbone a cactus?
No. Although it is sometimes called Redbird Cactus, it belongs to the Euphorbia family and is not a true cactus.
Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.
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