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Euphorbia tithymaloides

Also Known As

Pedilanthus thymifolia
Christmas Candle
Devil's Backbone
Green Devil's Backbone
Jacob's Ladder
Japanese Poinsettia
Red Bird Cactus
Red Slippers Spurge
Slipper Spurge
Zig Zag Jacobs Ladder

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 6'
W: 3'

planting zones

10a-11

More Options

Euphorbia tithymaloides plant details

Euphorbia tithymaloides is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen cactus / succulent with burgundy, green and variegated foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia tithymaloides

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen burgundy, green and variegated
Mature size: 0 FT - 3 FT - wide, 0 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant, tropical-looking, unique, zigzag stems

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia tithymaloides

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pedilanthes thymifolia, commonly known as Zig Zag Jacobs Ladder. Two tone green leaves along its fleshy zig zag stems make this plant quite unusual. If kept in strong sun the foliage develops a burgundy hue. It is slow growing and matures at 2 feet. Great for the sunny windowsill.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Beautiful green foliage along zig-zagging woody stems. It gets it's name from the clusters of tiny red, bird shaped blooms that are borne in summer. An easy to grow architecturally pleasing specimen. 3 plants per pot.The Red Bird Cactus is not a true cactus at all but a Euphorbia but it is certainly as easy to grow as most Cacti. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that this unusual plant is also a US native plant found growing naturally in the southern most portion of Florida with its main range being the warmer portions of central and south America. For best results provide the Devil's Backbone with a fast draining cactus-like soil and full to partial sun out of doors. It is tolerant of mild frosts and may return from the base if frozen to the ground. Jacob's Ladder is known to be pollinated by visiting Hummingbirds.