Devil's Backbone

16 years ago

Sorry can't recall its botanical name..

My question is, how often should soil be watered?

Normally, I allow cactus and succulents to dry completely before watering. Last winter, there were problems here at home, and I hate to say it but I neglected plants..My beautiful 3' Devil's Backbone, that was started from a 6" cutting in the 90's lost 85% of its leaves..this has never happened before. Also, lost several stems that I had to remove..they were dead.,..

A month or so back, I cleared old leaves from soil, cut back dead stems, etc..

Actually, my poor plant looks awful, but I'm going to try saving it.

It's planted in an 8" clay pot w/well draining soil.

So, should I keep the soil on the moist side or continue letting it dry out completely? Actually, I'm not going to ask how often it should be watered, because everyone's environment differs, so there's no direct answer. I just would like to know if soil should be on the moist side or watered like I would other succulents/cacti.

Also, even though I've read in many books, an unhealthy plant should not be fertilized, does anyone know if feeding would help? If so, what type of food should I use? I normally fertilize C&S's w/C&S fertilizer then alternate using Fish Emulsion..But if I fertilize, would using something for leaf growth be reasonable?

Thanks in advance, Toni

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Comments (12)

sjv78736
16 years ago
Around here kalanchoe serrata (or houghton's hybrid if you prefer) is what we call devils backbone. As I am sure you are already aware they are nigh on to impossible to kill off. They will tolerate a large range of abuses. I have two containers full of this that were gifted to me last summer. Normally, I would say water as any other succulent. But this year we broke a 3 year drought with nearly 3 months of non-stop rain and/or cloud cover (no joke!). The kalanchoes are among the plants I have made no adjustments to (in soil mix or "in situ"). They are sodden, and have been for months. They are going gangbusters! They've tripled their size and are covered in plantlets. Dont be afraid to keep them moist for awhile to jumpstart them. As long as your fert is diluted (I always do mine down to at least 1/2 strength sometimes 1/4) you should have no problems. You may want to consider one drench of epsom salt. One teaspoon per gallon of water. I do not recommend doing it more than once per year. It will stimulate alot of new green-growth. hth - Jo
birdsnblooms
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Jo, thanks but we're talking two differnt plants..(S)
I found the botanical name which is, Pedilanthus variegatus..
Its leaves are green, white and pink, and stems grow in zig-zag patterns..
Another common name is Jacob's Ladder. (not the annual)
Do you know which plant I mean? It's in my plant book which is how I found the botanical name, but of course there's no info on its care..just a desciption of the plant.
Wow, you guys had 3 months of rain? Daily? In Tx of all places..That's amazing..how did it effect C&S's? Toni
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Anyone has this plant for trade? Please take a look at my trade list - SEEDS: *Acalypha hispaniolae (Cat tails, Kitten's tails) *Agstache rugosa (Korean Mint) *Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree, Mimosa Tree) *Alcea rosea 'Nigra' (Black antwerp Hollyhock) *Allium (Purple Tall Chives) *Allysum Carpet of Snow *Amaryllis Red *Angelonia *Annona squamosa (Sugar Apple, Sweetsop) *Antirhium majus 'Montega rose bicolor': *Ardisia squamulosa tree *Arrowroot- Red *Arum italicum *Asclepias currasavica (Orange and yellow butterfly weed) *Asclepias currasiva 'Silky Gold' *Asclepias tuberosa (Orange) *Asian Gummy melon *Astromeria Parrot Lily *Averrhoa Carambola (Belimbing, Star Fruit) *Baby's breath *Balsam Heirloom Impatiens - single/double flowers *Bauhinia purpurea (Pink Orchid Tree) *Belamcanda Candy Lily *Blanket flower *Bulbing Fennel *Butia capitata (Pindo/Wine/Jelly Palm) *Cactus Prickly Pear *Calamondin orange *Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) *Camillia, pink *Canna seeds - mixed *Capsicum annuum 'Medusa' (Medusa Pepper Plant) *Cassia Alata *Capsicum 'Medusa' (Medusa Hot Pepper) *Cattail, Dwarf (Aquatic) *Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor buttons) *Cerinthe major purpurascens (Blue Honeywort) *Cherimoya/Atemoya *Chimonanthus praecom (Wintersweet Shrub) *Cichorum endivia 'Curly' *Clematis Autumn sweet *Clematis Nelly Moser' *Cleome hassleriana (Spider flower) *Cornus florida *Crotalaria spectabilis *Cypress Vine, White *Danish squash *Duranta erecta *Datura purple swirl *Datura, white with purple cast *Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) *Delphinium consolida (Giant Imperial Larkspur) *Dietes vegeta (African Iris, Butterfly Iris) *Dioscorea bulbifera (Air Potato Vine) *Echinacea (Pink Coneflower) *Echinacea Tennesee *Emilia javanica (Tassel Flower) *Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Ear Pod Tree, Elephant’s Ear, Monkey Ear) *Gaillardia x grandiflora (Indian Blanket) *Madagascar Jasmine vine *Gomphrena purple *Gourds, ornamental 'Small Autumn Wings' *Grapefruit *Guava *Gypsophila elegans (Baby's Breath 'Convent Garden') *Helianthus debilis (Beach sunflower) *Hibiscus cannabinus *Hibiscus sabdariffa (Florida Cranberry) *Hibiscus Texas Star, Red *Hollyhock, mixed, single *Honeydew melon *Honeysuckle (red-orange) *Ipomoea hederacea (Morning Glory lavender-pink) *Ipomoea quamoclit (Cypress Vine) *Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Flag Iris) *Jerusalem cherry *Koelreuteria Paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) *Kum Quat *Lagerstroemia indica 'Rosea' (Pink Crepe Myrtle) *Lantana mixed colors seeds *Larkspur, Giant Imperial *lathyrus perennial blend *Lathyrus odoratus 'Ms Willmott' *Leucaena leucocephala (White Lead Tree) *Leonotis menthifolia (Lion’s Tail) *Liatris spicata (Gayfeather) *Lily Star Gazer *Lemon, yellow, thornless, very juicy *Liriope Muscari (Lily-turf ) *Lychnis calcydonica (Maltese cross) *Malva moschata (musk mallow) *Marigold, Tiger Eyes *Marigold, mixed *Medusa Hot Pepper *Melia azedarach (Chinaberry) *Merremia dissecta (Alamo Vine) *Merremia dissecta *Mexican Petunia, ‘Chi Chi’, pink, tall *Mexican Petunia, dwarf blue *Mexican Petunia, dwarf pink *Mexican Petunia, dwarf white Mirabilis jalapa (Four O'Clock)-different colors *Mimosa tree *Momordica charantia (Balsam Pear) *Moonflower, white *Morning Glory - Grandpa Ott, Heavenly Blue, Star of Yelta, Jamie Lynn,Rose Silk, Scarlet O Hara *Morning Glory - Ivy leaf *Morning Glory - tricolor *Morus alba - white mulberry *Mucuna Pruriens (Bengal Bean) *Musa Velutino Pink Fruiting Banana *Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-Me-Not) *Nerium oleander , pink *Olea europaeae (Olive Tree) *Optunia humifusa (Hardy Prickly Pear) *Orange fruit, Florida *Orange Trumpet Vine *Podranea ricasoliana (pink trumpet vine) *Papaver *Papaya 'Caribbean Red' *Perilla frutens (Shiso, red) *Periwinkle pink with white center *Periwinkle white with pink center *Phyllostachys pubescens (Mosso bamboo) *Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore tree) *Pomegranate *Poppy (mixed) *Portulaca magic carpet mixed colors *Prunus spinosa *Pyracantha coccinea lalandi (Scarlet Firethorn) *Radermachera sinica (China Doll, Serpent Tree, Emerald Tree) *Redbud *Robina viscosa (Clammy locust) *Rosa Canina (Wild Rose) *Rhubarb *Sabal bermudana (Bermuda Fan Palm)* Sabal palmetto (Cabbage palmetto) *Sago Palm *Salvia coccinea ‘Coral Nymph’ *Salvia coccinea Hummingbird Sage *Salvia farinacea (Mealy Blue Sage) *Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallow, Popcorn Tree) *Senecio bicolor (Dusty Miller) *Senna alata candlesticks *Senna didymobotrya (Popcorn Cassia, Peanut Butter Cassia) *Sesbania panicea (Scarlet Wisteria) *Stachytarpheta urticifolia (Blue Porterweed *Stachys cretica *Sunflower mammoth *Sweet Pea *Sweet William *Talinum (Jewel of Opar) *Tecoma (Yellow Bells) *Tithonia (Mexican Torch) *Trumpet Vine, Orange *Trumpet Vine, pink *Urena Lobata (Caesarweed) *Withania somnifera 'Ashawaganda' (Indian Ginseng) *Zinnias, mixed More seeds - vegetable/fruits Angled loofah Apple, granny smity Bean, tricolor - gold, purple n green Cantaloupe 'vine peach Carrots- Big Top Danvers Half Long Chinese Greens- choy sum, sawi kangkong chinese chives gay lun gun choy Cucumber - Fuzzy gherkin Picollo di Parigi Honey Dew Royal Golden - fruit weights 10-15#, red sweet tender flesh Shark Fin (only 2 seeds) Swan lake Eggplant - Apple green Casper, white Chinese,Ping Tung Fennel - bulbing Trieste Smokey Bronze Gourds - 'crown of thorns', ornamental heirloom - birdhouse Autumn Wings, small, ornamental Long, black from India Maize, japonica Zea Mays, ornamental Black Aztec corn Melons- Asian Gummy Canoe Creek, green n orange, football shape, >20# wt charentais Chinese Winter Jenny Lind, heirloom cantaloupe, light green flesh, 1-2# wt Woman - Ukranian Heirloom, extremely sweet n fragrant, yellowish-white flesh, sz 7-10" (Gd for northern climate) mustard okra - Burgundy Green Lady, hybrid long horn Peppers, hot- Chinese chilly, hot Greek pepercini Scotch Bonnet Serrano Thai chilly, regular Serrano Thai chilly, purple Sweet Pepper- Alma Paprika Green pepper Pumpkin Chinese Pumpkin (From China) Small pumpkin- for pies Radish, red boy Rhubarb Rutabaga Salad greens- loose leaf red salad bowl big hoss butter lettuce red romaine Sorghum - Broomcorn White Popping Squash- Crookneck, yellow Danish Sphaghetti Winter squash Tomato - Cherry/grape Hess Pink Brandywine Speckled Roman, heirloom Tig Rovy Watermelon- 'moon n stars' Sweet Siberian PLANTS/CUTTINGS: Abelia Edward Goucher- cuttings Abelia Francis Mason- cuttings Acalypha hispaniolae (Cat tails, Kitten's tails)-plant Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda' Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' Allamanda schottii Bush - cuttings Aloe Vera American Agave (Century plant) pup - will trade for other agave pup American Agave, variegated Aptenia ice plant - cuttings Artimesia vulgaris 'Oriental Limelight' variegated Asperagus densiflorus "Sprengeri' plant Calamondin orange - plant Callisia navicularis (Chain Plant) - cuttings Callisa repens (Bolivian Jew) - cuttings Camillia sasanqua pink 'Cleopatra' pink -cuttings Camillia sasanqua 'Setsugeka', white -cuttings Camillia red - cuttings Canna Peach Gigantum rhizome Canna Florence Vaughn rhizome Canna Bengal Tiger Chickasaw Plum cuttings Chrysanthemums: yellow, violet Clereodendrum bungei Climbing Aloe -plant Conferate Jasmine - cuttings Cyclamen Cyperus involucratus (Umbrella Palm) - cuttings Cynotis somaliensis (Pussy Ears) - cuttings Delosperma cooperi (Hardy Yellow Ice Plant) Ice plant, purple Ice plant, variegated Dioscorea bulbifera (Air Potato Vine) tuber Duranta erecta 'Gold Mound' - cuttings Duranta erecta 'Sapphire Showers' - cuttings Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum' (Pothos) Fig tree - cuttings Gardenia - cuttings Gaura, white - cuttings Golden pothos - cuttings Heliconia Hanging Crab Claw Hibiscus cuttings - several types - red (single petal), red lantern),............ 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Red Firespike - cuttings Oleander (have 4 types) - white, pink, yellow, red - cuttings Optunia ficus indica (Smooth Prickly Pear) pads Palm Pindo - seedlings Philodendron 'Brasil' cuttings Plumeria, white -cutting Podocarpus macrophyllus (Buddhist Pine) - cuttings Pyracantha Scarlet Firethorn - cuttings Rain Lily Pink - plants Rain Lily white - plants Rose cuttings - Almost Black Rose cuttings - red climber -profuse bloomer Rose cuttings - shrub, huge blooms, pink - profuse bloomer Russelia equisetiformis (Firecracker Plant) - select either red or yellow Salvia Coral Nymph Salvia coccinea Hummingbird Sage Scilla Society Garlic Spider Plant - green Spider Plant, variegated Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Variegata' Trachelospermum jasminoides (Confederate Jasmine) cuttings Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Heart' Wandering Jew variegated cream and green - cuttings Wandering Jew Variegated green and white stripes - cuttings Wandering Jew Green with white flowers - cuttings Wisteria Purple -cuttings Thanks.
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Please help with Devil's Backbone
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Comments (11)
Probably you don't have to replace the dirt entirely (though I suppose technically it shouldn't hurt anything, either). It *should* be enough to let the soil get drier between waterings. That said, I probably would try new dirt with this one, myself, because if it's getting direct sun all day and it's still staying wet enough to grow mushrooms, you probably need soil a good deal looser and airier than what you've got now. Either that or you don't have drainage holes in the bottom of the pot (you *do* have drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, right?). Try something about three parts soil out of the bag, one part perlite. For the record: this won't necessarily stop the mushrooms. I had a plant that grew mushrooms all the time despite being in a pretty perlite-heavy mix. But that one was exceptional in all kinds of other ways, too.
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HAVE: Variegated devils backbone
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I have a large sensation lilac bush I could take cuttings from in the spring to trade for a devil's backbone start. Let me know if we could trade.Deb. DementedDeb1@aol.com
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WANTED: Devil's backbone/Zigzag plant - Pedilanthus tithymaloide
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Hi Anna I have the variegated type... white, pink and green colors. I think I have the Green and white one also... but I'd have to check. It's a small one, but I'd be happy to send you a few pieces. I'm sure just waiting a few weeks for this cold snap to retreat a bit would be fine. Do you have a picture of your Rhipsalis? It's just that it's such a common name used for many differene rhipsalis. Do you like the Kalanchoe? I can send you different types too.
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sjv78736
16 years ago
"Wow, you guys had 3 months of rain? Daily? In Tx of all places..That's amazing..how did it effect C&S's?"

It is amazing but true. I can count on one hand the number of days we've had with no rain or cloud cover for the whole day. And its been going on since March! Many counties around us are under a flood watch every time it sprinkles now because the ground is so saturated. Speaking of my own little neck of the woods, we have had few heavy downpours...instead it has been slow, steady soakers...the kind of rain you pray for (we prayed for for 3 yrs!) Just no days between to dry up. As for my plants? Well, I'll let ya know when it finally stops. My most "precious" ones, I've repotted into nearly pure hadite! My soil is always sharp so the plants never "sit" in water, but they have still been wet enough to grown shrooms!!! The funny thing is: last year I posted a q asking if one's soil could actually be too sharp since I'd added so much grit. LOL. You can imagine my relief today at last summer's efforts.
I'm afraid I dont know your plant and cannot help you out there...perhaps with a pic(?). Good Luck with it! Jo
sjv78736
16 years ago
googled up your plant...sorry, am completely unfamiliar with it. J
birdsnblooms
Original Author
16 years ago
Jo, I hope you and other Texian's plants survive..they're definatly not used to this current gush..
What's going on, poor Fl is pleading for rain, and other places are flooding..Storms are brewing where they never have before..It's scary..(S)
Sorry, what is Hadite? I'm not familiar with this substance.
I have a website, but it's been more than 1/2 yr since I posted, don't remember how it's done..LOL..
But while looking at sites, I found the Pedilanthus at www.acornsprings.com of course they're out of stock..Again, thanks for your help..and hope the rain at least halts for a while..Toni
sjv78736
16 years ago
"Stephen Hayde invented and patented the method of making a structural grade lightweight aggregate early in the twentieth century. The process uses a rotary kiln to pyro-process and expand clay, shale or slate. The end product is a strong and durable lightweight aggregate used in numerous types of construction throughout the world.

Hayde named the product after himself. Although the original patents have long since expired, the term "Haydite" is used by several companies in marketing their expanded shale lightweight aggregate."

The product I purchase is named "hadite" (I have no idea the manufacturer as I buy from bulk). I get it from my local organic nursery. It is lighter and slightly more coarse than decomposed granite. I am told it does not break down as quickly as DG. We shall see. The color suits my eye better. Jo (who wishes she knew how to do thumbnails on GW)
{{gwi:469944}}

Here is a link that might be useful: haydite
ankraras
16 years ago
If I had that plant 'Pedilanthus', I would not hesitate to repot and gave it fresh C&S soil with some pumice or perlite added. It maybe a slow to recover but I say let's give it some time.

I would never let my C&S " dry completely before watering " but rather let it partly dry out say half way down to 3/4 of the way down.

Fertilizing is a subject of growers choice, I would not use any of the ones mentioned for any cactus and succulent except C&S fertilizer.
rjm710
16 years ago
Toni, I would start by unpotting the plant, and carefully examining the root system. Be careful of breaking the plant, as the white sap can be an irritant. Remove any dead or rotten roots, and what you can of the old soil. Repot in a container about the size of the root mass. Pedilanthus, from what I understand (I haven't grown it personally), like a very fast draining mix. Calcined, or fired inorganics would be good to use (except Vermiculite, which doesn't hold its structure for long). This would include things such as Perlite, Haydite, Espoma Soil Perfector, or Turface (also seen as Aquatic Soil and Clay Soil Conditioner). Coarser textures are good also, so substitute a pine or fir bark mulch for regular peat or a peat potting soil if you can. Don't water the plant at first when you repot; wait a few days, and then give a little sip the first time. Is your plant outside? I think it would benefit it, but put it in the shade at first. I've read it likes warm temps, also, so the outside exposure should help with that. You might also want to take a cutting or two as insurance, just in case. Good luck with it!
Ray
birdsnblooms
Original Author
16 years ago
Jo, wow, I bet the Haydite is really well-draining, and considering all the rain you guys are getting, I'm sure it's beneficial.
If they sold in smaller bags I wouldn't mind buying say 40lbs. I buy mediums in bulk too..Thanks so much..I'll keep an eye out..Though I'd be hesitant potting in total Haydite, (I'm chicken, lol) I wouldn't mind adding it to my home-made C&S mix..Thanks.

Supannee, thanks..I shouldn't have said I let C&S's dry out to the point soil is cracked..I usually let soil dry to a point it looks crumbly..Since some plants are in 4" clay pots, I keep an eye on those guys. They dry out much faster than say an 8" plastic pot..

Ray, thank you, too..so you found the Pedilanthus? I will unpot, check roots, then repot in fresh soil..I use Perlite as part of my mix, and believe me, all C&S's are potted in well-draining soil..LOL..
Normally my plants are outside by now, but we had work done on the garage that took several wks to complete..I still have to work in yard, rid weeds, etc, by digging up soil..then I'll take plants outside..but yes, my plants go out every spring/summer/fall. It's a good idea taking a cutting as insurance..But I also wrote to a nursery that sells this plant..they told me to phone this afternoon, so I'll have to think about it..I'd like to add a new plant w/the old..BTW, new growth is exceptionally healthy..
I'm just disappointed because the DB is one of my favorite succulents. It was doing great, numerous stems and healthy variegated leaves, then problems at home, so plants, (almost 400) were neglected..I've no one to blame buy myself...oh well, sorry for ranting..LOL
Okay everyone, thanks for advice..I've got to decide whether or not I'll buy the DB from the nursery, so if I do, I'll wait to repot, otherwise, I'll get to it today..thanks again, Toni
mr_subjunctive
16 years ago
A little late to this party, I realize, but --

I do grow Pedilanthus tithymaloides (indoors) and for me, it seems to work best to keep it a little bit on the wet side, as succulents go. They can't handle drying out completely: they'll drop leaves. I haven't seen what happens when they're too wet.

It's one of my favorite plants, so I feel for you.
trish123
16 years ago
I recieved a devil's backbone last fall from my sister. I had real good luck with it for a while. I know you can cut it all the way back to about two inches above the pot and have only tiny branches left no leaves left at all. Mine came back as little as two days. I also soak mine very well and then let it drain. I water mine about every 10 days or when it becomes very dry. Mine became infested with scale bug which most bug sprays do nothing for these little pests. We called a nursery and was informed to buy a product called organocide. We followed the instruction to the letter but every time we thought we had it licked, it attacked the new leaves and stems. This product also left the plant waxy and hard and the leaves would fall off. Finally, out of desperation of saving my plant, I took dawn detergent about 3 tablespoons and 1\2 gallon of water and poured in thru the dirt about 3 times and then in a spray bottle sprayed the remaining branches with dawn and water. I also cleaned the pot and drainer in soap. Within two days, my plant had tiny new leaves and now it looks better than it ever did. I hope this will help you and maybe anyone else who loves their plant. Trish
birdsnblooms
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Trish..thanks for the info..I hope your DB does fine and scale leave it be...they are a pain working with.
If you still find scale on your plant, try Fish Emulsion..it really will kill them.
I had an olive tree that was infested w/scale, and after using different organics I could think of, it was the FE that rid those suckers..Now it's scale free..
So far the DB is doing fine, thank you..It's grown many new stems, all w/color..Because it's in a clay pot and I use well-draining soil, I have to water every few days..it's in too hot a room right now..actually, it's got to go outside, if I ever get done w/the yard..But thanks, and good luck w/your plant..Toni

Devil's Backbone

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