QUESTION:
Could you tell me what this plant is and how to care for it?
ANSWER:
Hi,
Your plant is called a Devil’s Backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides).
Here are some care tips for a Devil’s Backbone plant.
Light: Bright indirect light, but no direct sun. Water: Keep the plant slightly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top few inches of soil have dried out. During the fall and winter, when the plant is resting, water less. Leaves fall off of a Devil’s Backbone plant if the soil gets too dry and the plant gets root rot if the soil stays too wet. Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and does not do well in temperatures below 55 °F (12.8° C). Fertilizer: Feed monthly in the spring and summer when the plant is actively producing new leaves with a balanced liquid plant food. Pot Size: Like to be root-bound in a small pot. Soil: Devil’s Backbone plants are very tolerant of poor soil, but it’s best to use a sand based soil that drains well or a cactus mix. Plant Pests: Look out for mealy bugs and spider mites. Toxicity: The latex based sap of a Devil’s Backbone plant is caustic so always wear gloves when pruning the plant.