How to grow and care for Devil’s Backbone (Zigzag plant)

Devil’s Spine Care

Here are the main care requirements when growing cacti:

• Plant in well-drained soil mix.
• Choose a location with strong, indirect light.
• Water once every one to two weeks; allow soil to dry between waterings.
• If desired, fertilize houseplants at half strength during the growing season.

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Light

This plant grows best when it receives bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves and too little light can cause the plant to grow leggy.

Land

Devil’s spines grow best in well-drained, well-drained soil. A succulent soil mix is ​​best, with an ideal ratio of sand, perlite (or pumice) and potting soil for good drainage. Soil pH is less important, but neutral to slightly acidic is ideal.

Water

Water the plant when the soil begins to dry out. Frequency will vary depending on temperature and humidity, but every one to two weeks is usually sufficient.

Like other succulents, the devil’s cacti are drought tolerant, but if you let the plant get too thirsty, its leaves will begin to fall off.

During the dormant period, you should gradually reduce the frequency of watering by about half. For example, if your plant is used to being watered every two weeks, extend the time between waterings to four weeks.

Temperature and humidity

Native to the tropical regions of North and Central America, cacti grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. They can tolerate short periods of cold weather but will not survive frost.

When it comes to humidity, medium to high humidity will benefit the plant. However, due to its drought-tolerant nature, the plant can tolerate periods of low humidity.

If the air becomes too dry for long periods of time, you can place a tray of pebbles filled with water under the plant.

Fertilizer

True to their easy-care nature, cacti typically do not require fertilizing when grown in a nutrient-rich soil mix.

However, if you notice poor growth or pale leaves, you can fertilize with a half-strength household fertilizer formula—but only do this about once a month during the growing season.

Types of cacti

• Euphorbia tithymaloides ‘Variegata’: This devil’s spine has variegated green and white leaves but in very bright light the green can turn pink. The plant can grow up to 8 feet tall.
• Euphorbia tithymaloides ‘Nana’: A dwarf version of the devil’s backbone, this variety only reaches a mature height of 12 inches or less. It has lush green foliage and a zigzag growth pattern that is less pronounced on the stem due to the narrow spacing between the elliptical leaves.

Cut

Generally, cacti do not require regular pruning. However, you may prune as needed to maintain the plant’s shape or to limit vertical growth.

Remember that the sap can cause mild skin irritation, so wear gardening gloves when pruning to avoid contact.

Spread the Devil’s Backbone

The Devil’s backbone cactus is easy to propagate from cuttings and can be started in water or soil. It is best to propagate during the plant’s growing season, ideally in spring or early summer. Here’s how:

1. Using sharp scissors, cut a 4- to 6-inch section of stem. Be sure to wear gloves to minimize contact with the sap.
2. Let the cut stems dry for a few days.
3. To propagate in water: Fill a vase or jar with clean water. Remove any leaves that will come into contact with the water. Place the cutting in the vase or jar. Keep it in a warm, indirect light location. Change the water frequently to keep it fresh and monitor root growth. Once roots appear, transplant the cutting into a pot of a moist soil mix.
4. To propagate in soil: Fill a small pot with succulent soil mix. Place the stem cutting in the soil. Moisten and place in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Water to keep the soil moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, check for root growth by gently grasping the cutting and pulling gently; resistance indicates roots have formed. Transplant as needed or allow the plant to continue growing in the nursery pot.

Planting and repotting Devil’s Backbone

Devil’s backbone cactus can reach a mature height of up to 10 feet when grown outdoors, but indoor plants are more likely to stay around 4 or 5 feet tall. As the plant grows, you will need to repot it.

When it’s time to repot, choose a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than your current pot. The best potting material for succulents like devil’s spine is clay, as clay allows moisture to escape more easily. You should also choose a pot with drainage holes.

To repot the plant, loosen the soil around the perimeter of the pot. Then, gently grasp the plant and pull it out. Shake off excess soil without disturbing the root system. Fill the new pot with a succulent mix and repot the plant at the same depth as before.

Stop watering for a few days and up to a week to allow the plant to acclimate before watering again.

Common Problems with Devil’s Backbone

When given the right growing conditions, devil’s cacti are relatively easy to care for. However, problems with the plant’s foliage are often the first warning sign of a light or humidity problem. Here are some things to look out for.

Curly leaves

If your cactus’s pointed leaves begin to curl, it may be due to inadequate light levels. With too much direct sunlight, the plant may curl its leaves to prevent burning.

Cactus plants can also develop curled leaves if they are not getting enough light. Monitor the plant to make sure it is not getting too much direct sunlight, especially in the late afternoon if it is in a west-facing window.

Leaves turn yellow

Yellow leaves on a devil’s cacti can be caused by overwatering. Too much moisture in the soil can lead to root rot, which will first start below the soil surface before showing symptoms such as yellowing leaves.

Stop watering until the soil is dry; if the roots are rotting, you may need to repot the plant and cut off any slimy, foul-smelling roots.

Fallen leaves

Cactus plants can lose leaves if they are stressed. This is usually due to lack of water. Although they are drought tolerant, they do best with regular watering, especially during the growing months.

Water to restore moisture to the soil, but do not overwater. Monitor the plant after watering and water again when the top few inches of soil are dry to the touch.