Tall Slipper Plant: How to Grow and Care

The Tall Slipper Plant, known scientifically as Euphorbia tithymaloides, is a distinctive succulent that brings unique structure to gardens. Its common names, including Devil’s Backbone and Zig-Zag Plant, refer to its alternating, crooked stem growth. This upright shrub can reach heights of up to 10 feet in its native environment, and its appeal lies in this impressive vertical growth. The stems are adorned with simple, ovate leaves that create a striking architectural look.

Slipper Plant Care

Light

Proper lighting is a primary component of this plant’s health. The Tall Slipper Plant flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. When grown indoors, a spot near a window that provides filtered light for most of the day is an ideal location. While it can handle some direct sun, particularly morning light, harsh afternoon sun can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light may cause the plant to develop leggy growth, where stems become stretched and sparse.

Soil

A well-draining soil mix is foundational for the Slipper Plant, as it is for most succulents. Using a commercial cactus or succulent potting formula is a reliable choice, as these mixes prevent water from lingering around the roots. You can also create your own mix by amending standard potting soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage. The goal is to provide a substrate that guards against root rot.

Water

This plant is drought-tolerant, and a common misstep in its care is overwatering. The most effective watering technique is the “soak and dry” method. This involves thoroughly watering the plant until moisture runs out of the pot’s drainage holes, then allowing the soil to dry out almost completely. A good indicator for when to water is when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. During the dormant fall and winter months, reduce watering frequency significantly.

Temperature and Humidity

Native to tropical regions of the Americas, the Tall Slipper Plant prefers warm conditions between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). This range makes it well-suited for typical indoor environments. It is not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a climate with cold winters (USDA zones below 9), the plant must be brought indoors. It adapts well to average household humidity levels and does not have demanding requirements.

Fertilizer

To support growth during the active seasons of spring and summer, provide the plant with fertilizer. A balanced, all-purpose houseplant fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio, diluted to half-strength, is suitable. Apply this solution once every four to six weeks. Suspend fertilizing in the fall and winter until the following spring.

Pruning Your Slipper Plant

Managing the size and shape of your Slipper Plant through pruning helps maintain its appearance and encourages healthier development. Pruning is done to control the plant’s vertical growth, foster a fuller form, or remove any stems that have become leggy or died back. By trimming the main stems, you can prompt the plant to send out new side shoots, resulting in a denser plant.

The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. Use a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts. You can trim stems back to the desired height or cut just above a node to encourage new branches.

How to Propagate Slipper Plant

Propagation is a simple way to create new plants using stem sections removed during pruning. Start by taking a healthy stem cutting that is four to six inches long. After making the cut, set the stem aside in a dry area for several days. This allows the cut end to dry and form a callus, which helps prevent the cutting from rotting when planted.

Once the cutting has callused, plant it in a small pot filled with a well-draining succulent mix. Insert the callused end about one to two inches deep into the soil. Water the soil lightly and place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting develops roots, which you can test for by giving the stem a gentle tug for resistance.

Toxicity Considerations

The Tall Slipper Plant belongs to the Euphorbia genus, known for producing a milky white latex sap. This sap is toxic and can cause irritation if it contacts skin or eyes. It is important to wear gloves when pruning or handling any broken parts of the plant.

Due to its toxic properties, the plant should be placed out of reach of children and pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to stomach upset or vomiting in both humans and animals.