Devil's Backbone Cream - 5" Pot

Name: Devil's Backbone Cream - 5" Pot
Brand: vedicflora
SKU: PLT-DEVILSBACKBO-P05-CRM
Price: 199.0 INR
Availability: InStock

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₹299

₹299 - ₹299

₹299

₹199

₹199 - ₹199

₹199

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In stock

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Quirky zigzag stems
Variegated pink-edged leaves
Very drought tolerant
Low-maintenance succulent
Sculptural pot or border accent

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Shipping ₹79 for entire order

Country of origin: India

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Euphorbia tithymaloides, commonly Devil's Backbone, is an unusual succulent shrub with distinctive zigzag stems and neat rows of small, often variegated green-and-white leaves edged in pink. Native to tropical America and widely naturalised in India, it is a tough, drought-tolerant plant grown for its sculptural form in pots, borders and rockeries. It thrives in bright light and warm conditions, needing little water once established. The architectural stems and tidy foliage make it a popular low-maintenance accent for Indian balconies and gardens, though its milky sap is irritant and should be handled with care.

Specifications

Family	Euphorbiaceae
Native region	Tropical America; naturalised in India
Mature height	0.6-2 m
Mature spread	0.5-1 m
Growth rate	Moderate
Foliage	Small variegated green-white-pink leaves on zigzag stems
Flower colour	Small red/pink bracts
Flower season	Warm months
Climate zone	Tropical and subtropical

Care guide

Sunlight	Bright light to full sun; tolerates part shade
Watering	Drought tolerant; water when soil dries fully
Soil / mix	Sandy, gritty, very well-drained succulent mix
Temperature	18-35 C; protect from frost
Humidity	Low to moderate; tolerates dry air
Fertilizer	Light feed once or twice in growing season
Pruning	Trim to shape; cut leggy stems back
Repotting	Every 2-3 years; likes being slightly snug
Propagation	Stem cuttings dried then rooted in dry mix
Pests & problems	Mealybugs and scale occasionally
Toxicity / safety	Toxic; milky sap irritates skin, eyes, mouth
Difficulty	Easy

Uses

<p>Grown as a sculptural, drought-tolerant accent in pots, rockeries and borders. Valued for its zigzag stems and variegated foliage.</p>

Growing tips

<p>In India plant it in gritty, fast-draining soil and bright light; water sparingly and let it dry between waterings, and always wear gloves when cutting it due to the irritant sap.</p>

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Devil's Backbone?

Water only when the soil has dried out fully; it is drought tolerant and rots if kept wet, so err on the dry side.

How much light does it need?

It prefers bright light to full sun, which keeps it compact and enhances the pink variegation; it tolerates part shade.

Is it safe for pets?

No, it is toxic and its milky sap irritates skin, eyes and mouth, so keep it away from pets and children.

What soil should I use?

Use a gritty, sandy, very well-drained succulent or cactus mix to prevent root rot.

How do I propagate it?

Take stem cuttings, let the cut end dry and callus for a day or two, then root them in a dry, well-drained mix.

Why is the sap leaking when I cut it?

It exudes irritant milky latex; wear gloves and eye protection, and wash off any sap that touches your skin.

Does it need much fertilizer?

Very little; a light feed once or twice during the growing season is enough for this tough plant.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, in a very bright spot indoors, though it stays more compact and colourful outdoors in strong light.

How often should I repot it?

Repot every 2-3 years; it tolerates being slightly snug and dislikes overly large, wet pots.

Why are the stems growing leggy?

Legginess is caused by insufficient light; move it brighter and prune back the stretched stems to encourage bushiness.

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