How to Grow and Care for Devil’s Backbone Plant (Zigzag Plant)

Devil’s Backbone Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a devil’s backbone plant:

• Plant in a well-draining potting mix.
• Choose a location that receives bright, indirect light.
• Water every one to two weeks; allow the soil to dry down between waterings.
• Feed with houseplant fertilizer at half-strength during the growing season, if desired.

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Light

This plant grows best when it receives bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can burn the foliage and too little light can cause leggy growth.

Soil

Devil’s backbone grows best in well-aerated soil that drains quickly. It’s best to use a soil mix for succulents, which will have an ideal ratio of sand, perlite (or pumice), and potting soil to facilitate good drainage. Soil pH is less important but ideally should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Water

Water this plant when the soil begins to dry. The frequency will vary based on temperature and humidity levels, but usually every one to two weeks is sufficient.

Like other types of succulents, devil’s backbone is drought-tolerant but if you let the plant get too thirsty, it will start to drop leaves. 

During dormancy, you should gradually reduce your watering frequency by about half. For example, if your plant is accustomed to being watered once every two weeks, extend the time between watering to four weeks.

Temperature and Humidity

Native to tropical areas of North America and Central America, devil’s backbone plants do best with temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. The plant can tolerate a short snap of cooler weather but will not survive frost.

When it comes to humidity, average to high humidity will benefit the plant. However, because of its drought-tolerant nature, the plant can withstand a period of low humidity.

If the air becomes too dry for an extended period of time, it might be beneficial to place a pebble tray with water underneath the plant.

Fertilizer

True to its low-maintenance nature, devil’s backbone plants typically don’t need fertilization when grown in a nutrient-dense soil mix.

However, if you notice lackluster growth or pale foliage, you can fertilize with a household plant food formula diluted to half-strength—but only do so about once per month during the growing season. 

Types of Devil’s Backbone Plants

• Euphorbia tithymaloides ‘Variegata’: This type of devil’s backbone has variegated green and white leaves but in very bright light, the green can become shades of pink. It can reach up to 8 feet in height.
• Euphorbia tithymaloides ‘Nana’: A dwarf-size version of the devil’s backbone plant, this variety only reaches a mature height of 12 inches or less. It has bright green foliage and a less obvious zigzag growth pattern for the stem because of the tight spacing between the elliptic leaves.

Pruning

Generally, devil’s backbone plants don’t require regular pruning. However, you can prune branches as needed to maintain the shape of the plant or limit its vertical growth.

Keep in mind that the sap can cause mild skin irritation, so wear garden gloves when trimming the branches to avoid contact.

Propagating Devil’s Backbone

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

1. With a pair of sharp scissors, cut a 4- to 6-inch section of a stem from the plant. Be sure to wear gloves to minimize contact with the sap of the plant.
2. Let the cut stem dry out for several days. 
3. To propagate in water: Fill a vase or jar with clean water. Remove any leaves that will be in contact with the water. Place the cutting in the vase or jar. Keep in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and monitor for root development. Once roots are present, transplant the cutting to a pot with succulent soil mix. 
4. To propagate in soil: Fill a small pot with succulent soil mix. Place the cut end of the stem into the soil. Moisten and place in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Water to maintain soil moisture but don’t allow the soil to become soggy. After several weeks, check for root growth by lightly grasping the cutting and giving it a gentle tug; resistance indicates root formation. Transplant as needed or allow the plant to continue to grow in the starter pot.

Potting and Repotting Devil’s Backbone 

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

When it’s time to repot, choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. The best material for a pot for a succulent like devil’s backbone is clay, since it allows excess moisture to evaporate more easily. You should also choose a pot with a drainage hole. 

To repot the plant, loosen the soil around the pot’s perimeter. Then, gently grasp the plant and pull to remove. Shake off excess soil but don’t overly disturb the root system. Fill the new pot with succulent soil mix and repot the plant to a similar depth as before.

Withhold water for a few days and up to a week to allow the plant to acclimate before watering.

Common Problems With Devil’s Backbone 

When given the right growing conditions, a devil’s backbone plant is relatively easy to care for. However, problems with the plant’s foliage are typically the first warning signs of a problem with light or moisture levels. Here’s what to watch out for. 

Curling Leaves

If the pointed leaves of a devil’s backbone plant begin to curl, incorrect light levels are likely to blame. With too much direct sun, the plant may curl its leaves as a defense against burning.

A devil’s backbone plant may also have curling leaves if it’s not receiving enough light. Monitor the plant to ensure that it’s not receiving too much direct sun, especially in the late afternoon for plants in a west-facing window location. 

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellow leaves on a devil’s backbone plant may be caused by overwatering. Too much soil moisture can lead to root rot, which will first begin under the soil surface before manifesting with symptoms like yellowing leaves.

Withhold water until the soil dries; if root rot has developed, you may need to repot the plant and trim away any slimy, foul-smelling roots. 

Plant Leaves Falling Off

A devil’s backbone plant may drop leaves if the plant experiences stress. Most often, this is because of underwatering. Although the plant shows some resistance to drought, it does best with a consistent watering routine, especially during the growing months.

Water to restore soil moisture but resist the urge to overcorrect. Monitor the plant after watering and water again when the top few inches of soil are dry to the touch.