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Re: "Devil's Backbone" plant?

>So, does anybody know how I take care of this plant?

I've never seen one, but this is what "The Ultimate Plant & Garden Book" has
to say about it:

Pedilanthus tithymaloides
(zigzag plant, devil's backbone, Jacob's ladder)

"Popular as a greenhouse plant in Britain in the nineteenth century, this
slow-growing succulent from the West Indies usually grows to around 18 in.
The fleshy, erect stems change direction at each node, hence the name
"zigzag plant".  Leaves are mid-green and sprout from the stems in two rows,
resembling ribs on a backbone.  (Variegated cultivars are popular)  Showy
red bracts shaped like a bird's head encase small, scarlet flowers, but such
flowers are rarely produced indoors.

Water sparingly, allowing the soil surface to dry out between
waterings.  The plant needs very bright light with some direct sun and a dry
atmosphere, so it is well suited to wintering in heated rooms.  Propogate
from seed or summer cuttings, hardened thoroughly.  The stems when cut
secrete poisonous, milky sap.  Mildew may be caused by a humid atmosphere."

Hope this helps you out.

Cami
utaar@cnnw.net
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