The red, slipper-shaped flowers catch the eye and attract hummingbirds.
The stems are jointed, mostly unbranched, and coated in wax.
Tiny green leaves grow at spread-out intervals, but slipper plants are often seen without these leaves.
nickkurzenko / Getty Images
The foliage is short-lived and quickly drops after emerging.
The red, slipper-shaped flowers are the star of this all-around unique plant.
The interesting blooms are where this plant gets its common name: slipper plant.
Not only is this plant an eye-catching plant to observers, but it alsoattracts hummingbirds.
Like all members of theEuphorbiagenus, this plant is toxic to humans and pets.
The more sun this plant receives, the more flowers it produces.
Soil
The slipper plant is hardy and not picky about its soil conditions or pH levels.
However, the soil must be dry and well-draining for the plant to thrive.
Water
This desert dweller does not need frequent watering.
This plant has been featured by water conservation campaigns as an excellent choice forxeriscapingordesert gardens.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant is heat-tolerant and can withstand very hot temperatures.
Younger growth is damaged by freezing temperatures, however.
Low humidity levels pose no problem for the slipper plant, thanks to its drought-tolerant nature.
As a result, it can survive in even very dry climates.
Fertilizer
This plant thrives in poor desert soil that is low in nutrients.
Therefore, fertilizer is not needed.
Pruning
Broken or damaged stems can be removed at any time.
The plant handles pruning well once established.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when pruning to protect your skin from the milky sap.
This improves air circulation and maintains the neat upright shape of the plant.
Propagating Slipper Plants
The slipper plant can be propagated by means of root division and cuttings.
Because the slipper plant is slow-growing, it is not recommended to start it from seed.
A large pot, around three gallons or so, is needed for mature plants.
Be sure the pot drains easily to avoid any sitting water.
Since the slipper plant is slow-growing, it does not need to be repotted often.
It may help to tip its container on its side to allow the plant to slide out.
Choose one pot size up and plant the slipper plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
The slipper plant can tolerate temperatures as low as mid-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
To overwinter the slipper plant indoors, it is best to grow it in a container from the start.
Bring it inside in the fall as the temperatures drop.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Slipper plant is rarely affected by any serious pests or diseases.
It might attract mealy bugs, white flies, scale, or spider mites.
Powdery mildew can also occur, especially in high humidity.
How Long Does the Slipper Plant Bloom?
Giving slipper plant a location in full sun is the best way to make it bloom.
What Do Slipper Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flower head sits atop of the tall stem.
Caring for Slipper Plant After It Blooms
There is nothing to be done after the bloom.
They are both succulents and related but they are two different plant species.
Tall slipper plant (Pedilanthus bracteatus) has thicker, longer stems and it is a larger plant.
Tall slipper plant gets 4 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
It has more leaves than the almost leafless slipper plant, especially when grown in partial shade.
Orange or red flowers appear on the plant from early summer through fall.
No, it is thornless, so it is suitable to be used as a poolside plant.
Euphorbia lomelii.University of Arizona Campus Arboretum.
