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is devil's backbone an indoor plant

is devil's backbone an indoor plant Shop 'Devils Backbone Plant - Euphorbia tithymaloides' Care & Info

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is devil's backbone an indoor plant Shop 'Devils Backbone Plant - Euphorbia tithymaloides' Care & InfoIntroducing the devil's backbone plant, known as Euphorbia tithymaloides (formerly called Pedilanthus tithymaloides), which is a popular succulent that is known for its crooked growth pattern on upright stems. Native to the tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, with its distinctive zigzag pattern along the stems, it's hard to miss this intriguing plant. Apart from Devil's Backbone, this Euphorbia tithymaloides has a lot of other

Introducing the devil's backbone plant, known as Euphorbia tithymaloides (formerly called Pedilanthus tithymaloides), which is a popular succulent that is known for its crooked growth pattern on upright stems. Native to the tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, with its distinctive zigzag pattern along the stems, it's hard to miss this intriguing plant. 

Apart from Devil's Backbone, this Euphorbia tithymaloides has a lot of other common names used by gardners, such as: Redbird Cactus, Jacob's Ladder plant, Zig zag Plant, Red Slipper Spurge, Buck Thorn, Christmas Candle, Cimora Misha, Fiddle Flower, Ipecacuahana, Japanese Poinsettia, Jewbush, Milk Hedge, Jew's Slipper, Myrtle-leaved Spurge, Padus-leaved Clipper Plant, Redbird Flower, Slipper Flower, Slipper Plant, and Timora Misha. These names reflect its characteristic zigzag growth pattern and the vibrant red coloration of its stems.  


The Devil's Backbone plant has thick, fleshy bony ridge stems that grow in a zigzag manner with floral leaves, resembling the backbone of a mythical creature.

The stems are typically green, but they turn reddish-pink or maroon when exposed to bright light. The leaves are small and inconspicuous, often falling off as your devil's backbone plant matures.

With numerous branches growing from the base, the devil's backbone plant can grow up to 8 feet tall.

The Devil's Backbone plant flowers are typically red or burgundy in color and this plant generally flowers in the mid-spring. The plant has both true flowers and red leaf bracts, which some gardeners refer to as slipper flowers due to their shoe-shaped appearance.

When and How to Water Your Devils Backbone Plant  

Like other succulents, the Devil's Backbone plant stores water in its leaves and stems. Devil's backbone can withstand dry conditions quite well, so even if you forget to water it occasionally or are unable to do so because of travel or another busy schedule, it will still thrive. 

It's best to let the soil dry out between waterings. This Euphorbia tithymaloides devil backbone plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. When you do water it, give it a good soak until the water drains out of the bottom. Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. 

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, you can water the Devil's Backbone plant once every two to three weeks. In the winter months, when the plant is in its dormant phase, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less, depending on the conditions. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to check the moisture level of the soil before watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Just be careful not to overwater it, as that can lead to root rot. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Devils Backbone Plant

When growing the devil’s backbone plant indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it will receive bright, filtered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing your devil's backbone potted plant in direct sunlight, as the intense rays can scorch its leaves. If you notice that your Euphorbia tithymaloides devils’ backbone plant leaning towards the light source, rotate it periodically to ensure even growth. 

If grown outdoors, it prefers partial shade to full sun. Find a spot in your garden or patio that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, while offering some shade during the hottest part of the day. This will help prevent leaf burn and maintain the devil's backbone plant's vibrant appearance. 

The devil's backbone plant is known for its adaptability to different light conditions. It can tolerate lower light levels, but this may result in slower growth and less vibrant foliage. On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can cause leaf discoloration or sunburn. Striking a balance between light and shade will help your devil backbone plant thrive and maintain its unique appearance. 

Remember, every plant is unique, and it's important to observe how your Euphorbia tithymaloides respond to its specific light conditions. If it's growing well and maintaining its characteristic zigzag stems and vibrant leaves, then you've found the right balance! 

Optimal Soil & fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to soil, your Euphorbia tithymaloide plant prefers well-drained nutrient-rich soil. A combination of regular potting soil and perlite or sand can work well. The goal is to provide good drainage so that the roots don't sit in water, which can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your devil backbone succulent to thrive. 

As for fertilizer, the Devil's Backbone plant doesn't require frequent feeding. You can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer diluted to half-strength. During the growing season, which is typically spring, you can fertilize your devil’s backbone plant once a year. In the winter months, when it is in its dormant phase, you can skip fertilizing altogether. 

It's important not to over-fertilize your plant, as it can be sensitive to excessive nutrients. If you notice any signs of fertilizer burn, such as brown or crispy leaf tips, reduce the frequency or strength of the fertilizer. Always follow the instructions and err on the side of caution. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to observe your devil's backbone plant Euphorbia tithymaloide, and adjust accordingly. If it's growing well and maintaining its vibrant appearance, then you're on the right track! 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The Devil's Backbone plant is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. If growing indoors, it thrives in average room temperatures between 65°F to 75°F. Keep your Euphorbias away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. As for humidity, it appreciates higher levels, so you can mist the leaves occasionally or place a tray of water near the devil's backbone plant to increase humidity. 

If grown outdoors, these devil's backbone plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It prefers a warm and tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. However, it's important to protect it from frost or freezing temperatures, as it is not frost-tolerant. It can tolerate temperatures outside of its ideal range, but extreme heat or cold may negatively affect its growth. Additionally, your devil's backbone plant can adapt to lower humidity levels, but it may benefit from occasional misting or placement in a more humid environment. 

Remember to monitor the temperature and humidity levels around your Euphorbia tithymaloide Devil's Backbone plant, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure it remains happy and healthy. 

Devils Backbone Plant Propagation

Euphorbia tithymaloidesn can be propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate this plant, simply cut a healthy stem from the mother plant and allow it to callous over for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a warm, bright location to encourage root growth. With proper care, the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks and can be transferred to a larger pot once established.

Key Takeaways 

  1. The Devil's Backbone plant (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts, with its unique zigzag-shaped stems (hence the name zigzag plant) and vibrant green leaves, that make it a visually striking addition to any indoor or outdoor space..
  2. One of the great things about this plant is that it's relatively low maintenance, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced plant owners.
  3. The Euphorbia tithymaloides thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil.
  4. With a moderate watering routine and occasional pruning to maintain its shape, it can bring a touch of exotic beauty to your home or garden.
  5. So, if you're looking for an eye-catching plant that's easy to care for, the Devil's Backbone plant is definitely worth considering!
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cam
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 3
Not Chuck-It Durable
Color: Orange & Blue Squirrel, Size: 4.7 inches (1 Pack), Color: Orange & Blue Squirrel, Size: 4.7 inches (1 Pack)
Sadly only lasted an hour. My dog likes to pull apart toys over the course of a few months, with the exception of Chuck-It toys. They usually never get destroyed by him. I think its a good product but if you are looking for the durability like other toys from Chuck It - just wanted to share this is not the toy for you! Made him happy so not regretful of buying it, just wish it lasted longer. Here is him posing with it after he took bites of it like it was an apple.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Lance Boudreaux
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice indoor toy
Color: Orange & Blue Roller, Size: 7.5 inches (1 Pack)
Great indoor dog toy. Just pick it up after use if your dog is a chewer like mine is.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Amazon Customer
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 1
1st one lasted over 3yrs, 2nd started falling apart in less than a week....
Color: Orange & Blue Roller, Size: 7.5 inches (1 Pack), Color: Orange & Blue Roller, Size: 7.5 inches (1 Pack)
My dog really loves this toy. He’s a 5yr old border collie. He doesn’t work at tearing up his toys but he does shake his toys. I bought his 1st Chuckit it indoor football over 3yrs ago. It held up very well and had normal wear and tear I’d expect from a chuckit toy to have. It developed a small tear in fabric about 6months ago. As it was still mainly intact, I let him continue to play with it. Then the tear widened and I felt good time to replace, so I ordered one from Amazon. He was ecstatic to have a new one. I was quite disappointed though as in under a week from giving it to him(he’s always supervised during play so I do know what he does with his toys and he doesn’t work at them to tear them up) I noticed a tear down the seam that was bigger than the other one had for 6months. Over the next few days, tear widened. Now cover is completely off of inside. I’m really disappointed in the quality. I’m not sure if the quality of the toy is less than when I got his first one(which I bought in a pet store such as petsmart) or if for some reason because I purchased on amazon, they are of lesser quality. I do know for a fact as I supervise his play and with his favorite toys(and usually his spendier toys) they get put up when it’s not play time. He has his other toys that he can play with anytime. I have ran also into Kong toys (Wubba) that has come apart quickly in under a month,but those were both bought on amazon and at a retail store, so I don’t know if amazon is distributing toys of lesssr quality or if toy brands that have held up in past (Kong Wubba & this Chuckit football) are just being made of lesser quality. My dog’s style of play hasn’t changed nor has his supervision. That being said, my dog absolutely LOVES this toy. I want other users to be forewarned that I’ve had 2 of this product for my dog, they both developed a tear down seam, that eventually led to outer fabric shell coming off of the inner part of the toy. Yes my dog does shake his toys but 1st lasted over 3yrs, 2nd lasted less than a month and is in worse condition than the first. I may purchase this toy again as it’s one of his favorites just to see if the 2nd one was a fluke. Had I paid more than $6.19(I’m a prime member and it was an add on product) I most likely wouldn’t purchase a third one. I’m willing to see if the third one will last at least a yr. if it starts coming apart in less than a week again, I’ll have my answer which would be that chuckit has resorted to making their toys of lessor quality. I hope that’s not the case because they are one of only a couple of brands I hold in high regard for their good quality and durable dog toys. Please see picture. It’s his toy in less than a month. The outer material came off during play last night. It lasted less than a month from time I gave it to him to play with. 5/22/18 update. I bought him a 3rd indoor fumblr, it last almost 3 months...I ordered him a 4th one. I gave it to him Friday, today is Tuesday, his 4th one is already coming apart at the seams. When I ordered 4th fumblr, I bought 2 at the same time, they were $5.19 each(prime member add on price). I’m glad I did because now they are twice the price at now over $10. I very highly doubt I will buy another indoor fumblr unless price drops in half again. This last one that I gave him 4-5days ago, it hasn’t been his daily favorite toy. He’s maybe played with it a couple hrs each day. My dog really LOVES this toy. I’m moving my rating down to a 1 Star from 2 as this toy has consistently come apart rather quickly. I’m very disappointed in the quality of this toy. He’s 5 1/2yrs Old now. 1st fumblr last over 3yrs, he’s gone through the other 3 in under 6months...had I paid over $10 each time, I probably would’ve stopped after the 3rd fumblr came apart. as it is now, I won’t but any more fumblrs by chuckit at this price....if price drops, after he’s gone through the 5th one I have put up...I may consider it...but not at over $10 for a toy that comes apart through normal play in under 5 days...
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Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2017
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Brooklyn
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Dogs favorite toy
Color: Orange & Blue Roller, Size: 7.5 inches (1 Pack), Color: Orange & Blue Roller, Size: 7.5 inches (1 Pack)
I buy 4 of these every month for my dog. He won’t go anywhere without this ball. He sleeps with it, swims with it, goes to the vet and carries it around in his mouth to show off. It’s borderline a problem. My dog is a large breed and plays hard so I do purchase often because the strings unravel and the ball itself is foam so breaks down into little pieces after a few days of playing. I love that it is fragile on his teeth and jaw. We can play catch indoors because it is soft.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2026
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Verified Purchase
NATTY
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Love It!
Color: Orange & Blue Fetch Ball, Size: 4.75 inches (1 Pack)
Perfect for your dog who loves to play ball indoors. It doesn’t bounce & it’s very soft. It lasted a long time for a German Shepherd who loveeess to ball all day.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2026

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