Pedilanthus tithymaloides smallii 'Variegatus'

Sunset

Pedilanthus tithymaloides smallii 'Variegatus', photo courtesy of Rob Cardillo

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Zones H2

Partial

Minimal

Milky sap can cause stomach upset

Devil's Backbone, Jacob's Ladder
Euphorbiaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs

PEDILANTHUS

Both commonly-sold species have decorative stems, but those of Pedilanthus macrocarpus are bare most of the year. Both have inconspicuous red flowers concealed in tubular or slipper-shaped red bracts.

Pedilanthus tithymaloides smallii 'Variegatus'

Caribbean native to 1–2 ft. tall, with somewhat fleshy, zigzagging stems and 2–3-in., oval mid-green leaves. Has grayish stems and leaves marked with white and pink; it is fairly common as a houseplant. Under good growing conditions, may produce 1/2-in. bracts in summer. Partial shade. Give houseplants bright indirect light; fertilize every couple of monthsduring warm months, and keepsoil barely moist.