Euphorbiaceae
Dwarf Devil's Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Nana')
Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Nana'
It wants plenty of light and a succulent mix. Water only when the soil has dried a little way down, since too much water rots the roots. Be careful with the milky sap, which can irritate skin and eyes.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
15° - 30°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
Dwarf Devil's Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Nana') is a easy-care plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. Dwarf devil's backbone is the compact form of the zigzag plant. It stays under about 30 cm (12 in) and grows in tight clumps. The bright green leaves fold slightly along the middle like a little boat, and they sit in two rows packed close on the stem. That gives the stem a braided look, with less of...
Dwarf Devil's Backbone grows up to 30cm, watering every 14 days, 15°C – 30°C, 40–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Dwarf Devil's Backbone tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
TLDR: Dwarf Devil's Backbone needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
Stick a finger in the soil and water when it's dry 1 to 2 inches down. It handles dry spells, but it will drop leaves if it stays dry too long.
How Much Light Does Dwarf Devil's Backbone Need?
Bright light. Indoors, keep it by your brightest window. Sudden harsh sun can burn the leaves, and low light makes it leggy.
What Is the Best Soil for Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
Use a succulent mix that drains quickly.
What Pot Should You Use for Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
A small pot with a drainage hole. It grows slowly and suits small containers.
What Is Dwarf Devil's Backbone and Where Does It Come From?
Dwarf devil's backbone is the compact form of the zigzag plant. It stays under about 30 cm (12 in) and grows in tight clumps. The bright green leaves fold slightly along the middle like a little boat, and they sit in two rows packed close on the stem. That gives the stem a braided look, with less of the zigzag you see on the full-size plant. The red flowers are shaped like a small slipper or bird, but they rarely show up indoors.
How to Propagate Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
Stem cuttings
The sap irritates skin and eyes. Don't touch your face while handling it, and wash your hands afterward.
- 1 Put on gloves and cut a piece of stem.
- 2 Rinse off the sap and let the cut dry.
- 3 Push the base into succulent mix and water lightly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Dwarf Devil's Backbone Grow?
TLDR: Dwarf Devil's Backbone can reach up to 30cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Dwarf Devil's Backbone?
TLDR: Dwarf Devil's Backbone is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Fun Facts
The red bird-shaped parts are bracts, modified leaves wrapped around the real flowers.
The nodes on the dwarf stem sit so close together that it looks braided.
Frequently asked questions
Is dwarf devil's backbone toxic?
How often should I water it?
Why is it dropping leaves?
Will it flower indoors?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
