What is Devil’s Backbone?
Devil’s backbone, or Pedilanthus tithymaloides, is a succulent evergreen shrub that is native to the Caribbean. It gets its name from the red and yellow zig-zag shaped stem which resembles a spine or backbone. The plant has pale green jagged leaves with bright red margins and blooms small clusters of white flowers in late summer. It prefers full sun but will also tolerate partial shade and can reach heights of up to 6 feet.
Propagating Devil’s Backbone
Propagating devil’s backbone is an easy process that requires minimal effort. The best time to propagate devil’s backbone is during springtime when new growth appears on the plant. Here are some tips for successfully propagating devil’s backbone:
- Gather Cuttings: Take several 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems of your existing plant.
- Prepare Cuttings: Cut off any excess foliage at the bottom of the cutting and create a wound by making an angle cut about half an inch deep near the base of each stem. Treat Wounds: Dip each cutting into rooting hormone powder such as Rootone F or IBA (indolebutyric acid) before planting in order to encourage root formation.Potting Mix Preparation :Fill a pot with light, well draining soil mix such as cactus mix or perlite/vermiculite combination.Planting Cuttings : Carefully insert each prepared cutting into the soil mix making sure it stands upright without falling over then water lightly.Aftercare :
