Because the stems alternate direction as they grow, its also sometimes known as a Zigzag plant.
This plant is commonly grown indoors and is considered an easy-keeper.
Read on to learn how to grow this standout succulent.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
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Light
This plant grows best when it receives bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sun can burn the foliage and too little light can cause leggy growth.
Soil
Devils backbone grows best in well-aerated soil that drains quickly.
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Soil pH is less important but ideally should be neutral to slightly acidic.
Water
Water this plant when the soil begins to dry.
During dormancy, you should gradually reduce your watering frequency by about half.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
The plant can tolerate a short snap of cooler weather but will not survive frost.
When it comes to humidity, average to high humidity will benefit the plant.
However, because of its drought-tolerant nature, the plant can withstand a period of low humidity.
Its best to propagate during the plants growing season, ideally in the spring or early summer.
As the plant grows, youll need to repot it.
You should also choose a pot with a drainage hole.
To repot the plant, loosen the soil around the pots perimeter.
Then, gently grasp the plant and pull to remove.
Shake off excess soil but dont overly disturb the root system.
Fill the new pot with succulent soil mix and repot the plant to a similar depth as before.
Withhold water for a few days and up to a week to allow the plant to acclimate before watering.
Heres what to watch out for.
With too much direct sun, the plant may curl its leaves as a defense against burning.
A devils backbone plant may also have curling leaves if its not receiving enough light.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves on a devils backbone plant may be due to overwatering.
Plant Leaves Falling Off
A devils backbone plant may drop leaves if the plant experiences stress.
Most often, this is because of underwatering.
Water to restore soil moisture but resist the urge to overcorrect.
You should only do this if the temperature is typically above 60F and never expose the plant to frost.
Indoors, most devil’s backbone plants will grow to about 4 or 5 feet tall.
In its native habitat, a devil’s backbone plant may grow up to 10 feet tall.
