Variegated Devil’s Backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides)
Delightfully crooked, zig-zag stems
give Variegated Devil’s Backbone its wild,
rebellious look and playful nickname.
Variegation in shades of chartreuse, yellow
and cream highlight the edges of the
small, pointed leaves, adding extra appeal
to its exotic form. In the cooler winter
months, the leaf edges can take on a pink
hue. This colorful, succulent shrub makes a
uniquely sculptural houseplant specimen.
Also called Jacob’s Ladder, or Redbird
Flower, the plant can develop tiny red flowers
on the growing tips in spring, however
they often don’t bloom in cultivation. Grow
in a well-draining, light potting mix, and
avoid extended periods of extreme dryness,
which can cause leaf drop.