The Devil’s Backbone plant, scientifically known as Euphorbia tithymaloides or formerly Pedilanthus tithymaloides, is a unique succulent celebrated for its distinctive zigzag stems. It is also known by several common names, including Zigzag Plant, Japanese Poinsettia, Slipper Flower, and Redbird Flower. This article explores the diverse varieties of this fascinating plant, highlighting their visual characteristics.
Understanding Devil’s Backbone
This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which also includes poinsettias. Native to subtropical regions of Florida, Central America, and South America, it thrives in warm climates and is often grown as an ornamental houseplant or outdoor specimen. A distinguishing feature is its stem, which grows in a unique zigzag pattern, resembling a backbone.
The plant is succulent in nature, storing water in its thick stems and leaves. Its leaves are typically simple, alternate, and ovate, contributing to its dense foliage.
Exploring Popular Varieties
The Devil’s Backbone plant offers several visually distinct varieties, each bringing a unique aesthetic to indoor or outdoor spaces. These variations primarily manifest in leaf coloration, variegation patterns, and overall growth habit.
‘Variegatus’
One of the most widely recognized varieties is ‘Variegatus’, admired for its striking foliage. Its leaves display a vibrant blend of green, white, and often pink or red hues. The variegation typically appears along the edges of the green leaves, creating a bright, contrasting margin. In cooler temperatures or under bright, indirect light, the white margins can intensify to shades of pink and red. This variety can grow quite large, reaching heights of up to 8 feet in optimal conditions.
‘Nana’
For those seeking a more compact option, the ‘Nana’ variety presents a dwarf growth habit. It typically remains much smaller than the standard species, usually growing to a maximum height of 12 inches. This makes it suitable for smaller spaces or as a desk plant. The leaves of ‘Nana’ are bright green, and while it retains the characteristic zigzag stem, this pattern may be less pronounced due to the tighter spacing of its elliptic leaves. Some ‘Nana’ cultivars also exhibit variegation, combining the dwarf size with colorful foliage.
‘Curly’
The ‘Curly’ variety has a unique leaf texture and form. Its leaves are green, slightly folded, and have strongly wavy margins, creating a distinct curly or crinkled appearance. This adds a textural dimension not typically seen in other varieties. The leaves of ‘Curly’ can also feature blends of greenish-white or light green, with darker green coloration spreading from the midvein. This subtle variegation, combined with the curled shape, gives the plant a ruffled, intriguing look.
Choosing the Right Variety
Selecting a Devil’s Backbone variety often depends on desired size and aesthetic preferences. If a compact plant is needed for a confined area, ‘Nana’ is an ideal choice due to its small stature. For those desiring vibrant color and variegation, ‘Variegatus’ offers striking green, white, and pink foliage that intensifies with light and temperature. The ‘Curly’ variety provides a unique textural element with its wavy, crinkled leaves.
General Care for All Varieties
Regardless of the variety, Devil’s Backbone plants share similar care requirements. They prefer bright, indirect light, with too much direct sun potentially scorching the foliage and too little leading to leggy growth. Well-draining soil is important, and a potting mix formulated for succulents is often recommended. Water should be applied when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. These plants thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and tolerate average to high humidity. All parts of the plant contain a milky sap that can cause skin and eye irritation, and is toxic if ingested. Wearing gloves when handling the plant, especially during pruning or repotting, is advisable.