Euphorbia tithymaloidesL.

Buck Thorn , Christmas Candle , Cimora Misha , Devil ’s Backbone , Fiddle Flower , Ipecacuahana , Jacob ’s Ladder , Japanese Poinsettia , Jewbush , Milk Hedge , Jew ’s Slipper , Myrtle - depart Spurge , Padus - leaved Clipper Plant , Redbird Cactus , Redbird Flower , Red Slipper Spurge , Slipper Flower , Slipper Plant , Slipper Spurge , Timora Misha , Zig Zag Plant

Euphorbia tithymaloidessubsp.tithymaloides , Pedilanthus tithymaloides , Tithymalus tithymaloides

Euphorbia tithymaloides (Devil’s Backbone)

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Family : EuphorbiaceaeSubfamily : EuphorbioideaeTribe : EuphorbieaeSubtribe : EuphorbiinaeGenus : Euphorbia

Euphorbia tithymaloidesis native to tropic and subtropicalNorth AmericaandCentral America .

Euphorbia tithymaloides , formerly know asPedilanthus tithymaloides , is an erect succulent shrub with simple green leaves arranged alternately on green branches with a zag configuration . It can rise up to 8 feet ( 2.4 m ) tall , ramify profusely from the base of operations . The leaves are smooth with midrib and 7 to 9 pairs of sidelong venous blood vessel and total to slightly wavy margin . They are ovate , pointed at the tip , and can assess up to 3.2 inch ( 8 cm ) retentive and 2 inch ( 5 cm ) widely .

Euphorbia tithymaloides (Devil’s Backbone)

The branch terminate in dichotomous cymes , with a cerebral peduncle supporting each flower . The flowered parting are bifid and ovate , while the involucral bracts are bright red , on an irregular basis acuminate in conformation , with a long , slender electron tube . The male pedicle is hairy , while the female person is glabrous .   The flush generally appear in mid - spring .

USDA hardiness zones9b to 11b : from 25 ° F ( −3.9 ° C ) to 50 ° F ( +10 ° vitamin C ) .

Euphorbias are very prosperous to worry for . These plants require a lilliputian mollycoddle to become established , but once they are , they are self - sufficient . More die from too much charge and watering than from negligence . Euphorbias needwell - draining soiland mickle of sunshine . They are not particular about soil pH but can not stomach blotto filth . Unlike most succulents , Euphorbiadoes not handle retentive time period of drought well . It may ask hebdomadal watering during the summer . Waterwhenever the soil is dry several inch below the airfoil . Water deep , but do n’t let them sit in sloshed soil , which can induce solution buncombe . contribute some organic matter or plant food to the planting hole . If you are growing them in containers or your grease is hapless , feedthem with a half - strength fertilizer monthly .

Euphorbia tithymaloides (Devil’s Backbone)

These succulent can be grown from seed , but they can be difficult to germinate ( or even find ) . They are unremarkably propagated by slip . This can be tricky because of the exuding sap . root internal secretion is recommended withEuphorbias . They run to grow trouble - free , but there are a few plague and disease to be alert for .

Learn more atHow to get and Care for Euphorbia .

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