The devil's backbone plant (Pedilanthus tithymaloides 'Variegatus'), also commonly known as Jacob's ladder, redbird flower and Japanese poinsettia, makes an excellent border plant, a colorful accent in a rock garden or a lovely houseplant. The drought-resistant succulent also works well as an xeriscaping option. Known for its variegated leaves and red, fleshy blooms, this evergreen plant is hardy in Sunset's Climate Zones H1, H2 and 22 through 24. It requires indirect sunlight when grown indoors and partial shade in zone H2. Grow as a houseplant or in a greenhouse in regions where temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Propagation is like that of any other succulent plants.
Cut off 4 to 6 inches of chosen stems using a sharp knife. Make the cutting just below a node, or where the leaf and bud join the stem. Take stem cuttings in summer for outdoor plants; you can take cutting from houseplants at anytime of the year.
Remove one-half to two-thirds of the leaves, starting from the bottom. Cut large leaves in half.
Set the stems aside in warm area out of direct sunlight for a day or so and allow them to callus.
Fill a clean pot with potting soil or perlite and moisten it. Poke a 2-inch deep hole in the soil and insert the callus cutting, firming the soil around it. Do this for each cutting.
Place the pots in a tray of about 2 inches of water to keep the soil moist.
Place the pots in area with indirect sunlight or under grow lights for up to 14 hours a day.
Check the plants in about two weeks. If they resist a slight tugging, they have established roots.
Move plants to their permanent home once they sprout leaves.
Things You Will Need
- Potting Soil or Perlite
- Fertilize plants in spring and summer.
- Bright light helps the plant retain red tips.
- Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Do not touch or ingest the milky sap, as it known to irritate mucus membranes and if ingested, cause nausea.
- All parts of the plant are poisonous.
- Learn2Grow:Pedilanthus tithymaloides 'Variegatus'
- easyBloom: Variegated Devils Backbone
- Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel (Editor)
- University of Delaware:A Curious Houseplant, Indeed