Slipper-flower

Slipper-flower Care

Euphorbia tithymaloides

What is the plant

Euphorbia tithymaloides is a perennial succulent spurge. An erect shrub, the plant is also known by the scientific name Pedilanthus tithymaloides. The plant is native to the subtropical regions of Central America and North America.

The Devil’s Backbone plant is a shrub and may eventually reach three to four feet in height. The thick branches and stems have a zig-zag pattern and produce small, oval-shaped leaves with pointed tips. When the plant is still maturing, its leaves may not grow in very thick. As the plant matures, it can become quite bushy. It’s not a fast-growing plant. It grows at a medium rate and may take several years to mature. Pedilanthus tithymaloides produces small slipper-shaped flowers, where the Latin name Pedilanthus (“Slipper Flower”) comes from. The plant blooms in the summer. The flowers are small, don’t last long, and do not produce a scent.While it’s still often called the Pedilanthus tithymaloides, the Pedilanthus genus has been merged into the Euphorbia genus, giving it the name “Euphorbia tithymaloides.”

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 25°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The zig zag plant needs moist soil with regular watering throughout the summer and hardly at all during the winter. In the spring and fall, water moderately. Increase the humidity by misting the leaves and branches with water from a spray bottle.
Fertilizer
From spring to the middle of summer, add a liquid fertilizer for houseplants when watering every three to four weeks.
Sunlight
Provide this succulent plant with plenty of sunlight. It grows best in an area receiving sun throughout the day without direct sunlight. Look for partial shade to partial sun.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
To keep this plant healthy, use a commercial cactus mix or prepare your own potting soil mixture. You may also want to add a little bit of peat moss to help absorb excess water.
Temperature
If you live in the area where temperatures get below 40°F during the winter, grow these plants in containers and more indoors. It can thrive indoors at normal room temperatures of 60-75°F/16-24°C if kept it in a humid area.
Container
Choose a container with enough drainage holes. The plant should be repotted every two to three years in a well-drained soil mix.