The stems of this plant are unusual in form, which is zig-zag-like rick-rack braids, and is especially desirable for arrangements where the added value of the silhouette is desired.
In the far south, Pedilanthus is a hardy shrub growing in sun or light shade, but it must be treated as a pot plant for most of us.
It is listed in catalogs as a succulent and is commonly called by several names: devil’s backbone, bird cactus, or redbird cactus because the red flowers at the end of the branches are bird-shaped.
The stems are thick and fleshy, and a broken branch reveals a milky liquid showing its relationship to the Euphorbiaccae.
Preferred Soil Conditions
The preferred soil is alkaline and should be porous so water does not remain in the roots.
While the plant may be kept completely dry during December and January, the rest of the year, it enjoys a moist runway for its generous root system.
It roots easily in water. In fact, it can be grown in water.
Pedilanthus Tithymaloides
Pedilanthus tithymaloides has plain dark-green, glossy, pointed leaves, while variegatus is the same in form though the leaves are light green, centered lighter green to ivory bands down the sides with touches of deep rose when grown in the sun.
This is a decorative plant the year around that adds distinction to any window garden.
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