How to care for pedilanthus, and why it is dangerous to touch the "devil's back" with your hands

An unusual succulent with beautiful variegated leaves and small red flowers, will delight not only with its amazing appearance. The plant will simply conquer the simplicity of care. Exotic pedilanthus belongs to completely unpretentious cultures. Even a beginner grower will cope with its cultivation.

Plant description

Succulent pedilanthus replenishes the family of euphorbiaceae. In the wild, it can be found in the tropics of America. The shrub, which reaches two meters in height, is distinguished by fleshy stems, a unique zigzag shape. Pedilanthus is characterized by slightly shriveled leaves. Their shades can vary from light green to rich emerald. Pedilanthus with variegated leaves is very common. The flowers of the culture are usually pink or rich red, and in shape a bit like a woman’s shoe.

An unpretentious plant feels comfortable at home. Reviews of flower growers indicate that with a minimum of effort, the plant quickly develops and regularly pleases with its flowering.

Kinds

About 15 species are found in nature. They are very different from each other. Succulents growing in arid areas are distinguished by a more fleshy stem, which is able to accumulate moisture for a long time. Shrubs with dense foliage are found in tropical rainforests. For indoor floriculture, only four varieties are used, which stand out for their special decorativeness and are described in the table.

Table - Decorative types of pedilanthus in indoor floriculture

Rules for creating the necessary conditions

How to care for pedilanthus so that it delights with its development and delights in flowering? There are practically no special difficulties with growing plants. But some nuances must be adhered to in order for a guest from America to feel comfortable.

Lighting

Pedilanthus is a big lover of light. But the plant only recognizes diffuse lighting and categorically does not tolerate direct rays. The bright sun can leave burns on the leaves. As a result, culture will lose its sophistication and decorativeness. Succulents need such conditions.

• Western windows. On these windowsills, the plant will feel as comfortable as possible in spring, autumn and even summer.
• South windows. In winter, the tropical guest experiences a shortage of light. This may adversely affect its development. Therefore, in the cold season, it is recommended to move the pot to the south side. If necessary, turn on the phytolamp.
• Summer period. Pedilanthus must be taken out to fresh air. A pot with a plant can be placed in the garden, picking up a place shaded by bright light and wind. Succulent will feel comfortable on the balcony or loggia.

Temperature

A tropical resident loves warmth. And, like many houseplants, it does not tolerate heat at all. Indoor flower can withstand a lot, and even reconcile if you forget about it. But strong temperature differences will not forgive. They will lead him to death. The plant needs certain conditions.

• Summer. Provide pedilanthus moderate mode. The temperature in the room should vary between + 21 ° С ... + 26 ° С.
• In winter. It is necessary to provide comfortable conditions for hibernating the plant. To do this, reduce the temperature to indicators + 14 ° С ... + 17 ° С.

Humidity and watering

How to care for pedilanthus in a pot? Organize proper watering for the succulent, and it will delight you with its good health and rapid development. Pedilanthus will be grateful for the increased humidity in the room. Florists recommend adhering to the rules of irrigation.

• Proper watering. In summer, it is recommended to water the plant from three to five times a week. You need to focus on the soil. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out. In winter, when the heat subsides, watering can be reduced to one moisture per week.
• Soft water. For irrigation use only filtered or settled water. Tap will destroy the plant.
• Spraying crown. Pedilanthus is able to withstand dry air. But this leads to a decrease in turgor of leaves and in the future to their decline. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend saving the flower with regular spraying.
• Humidity increase. Take any action to increase humidity. You can put a container of water on the window or use a tray with pebbles.

Top dressing

Fertilizing begins in the spring, when the phase of active growth begins. Continue to feed pedilanthus until late autumn. However, you should not overdo it with fertilizers. Experts recommend feeding the culture once every three weeks. To ensure a comfortable environment, use three rules.

1. Fertilize in liquid form after watering.
2. Use top dressing reduced approximately in half concentration.
3. In winter, the flower should not be fertilized.

Pruning

The flower shoe is growing fast. Therefore, it is capable of turning into a shapeless bush in a short time. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to periodically trim the pedilanthus. Follow the recommendations.

• Topping. In a young plant, you must immediately pinch the top so that the flower begins to branch.
• Shortening. Every year in spring, long shoots are shortened, providing a compact culture.

Transfer

The question often arises: do I need to start caring for pedilanthus after purchase with an instant transplant? Experienced flower growers recommend not to rush with this procedure. It is best to postpone it until spring. But if the root system has grown through drainage, then a transplant is necessary. Replant pedilanthus according to such rules.

• Flowerpot selection. The root system of succulents grows very slowly. Therefore, the flower does not need a large pot. Choose a flowerpot a little more than before.
• Soil making. The plant loves a light substrate, providing a free flow of oxygen to the roots and a sufficient outflow of water so that the moisture does not stagnate. Pedilanthus is suitable soil for succulents. If there is a desire to prepare the soil yourself, then mix sand, sheet and turf soil in equal proportions.
• Drainage system. A quarter of the pot must be covered with pebbles or broken bricks. The drainage system will protect the roots from rot if you accidentally pour water.
• Transfer. Be sure to inspect the roots during transplantation. If areas of rot appear, then it is necessary to cut off all damaged areas. In the absence of affected roots, it is better to transship without shaking off the old soil.

Breeding methods

The indoor flower is propagated by two methods: using cuttings or seeds are planted. The latter method is more complex and requires scrupulousness from the grower. Cuttings, on the contrary, are a very simple method of reproduction, which almost always ensures the rooting of pedilanthus.

Seeds

Features. If you managed to get pedilanthus seeds, then special attention must be paid to the expiration date. Expired planting material completely loses its germination capacity. They plant seeds with the onset of the first warm days, approximately in March-April.

Algorithm

1. Dilute the soil for succulents with a third of sand.
2. Moisten the soil well.
3. Plant seeds in the ground, deepening them by about 2 cm.
4. Cover the container with glass or wrap with polyethylene.
5. Place the container with seedlings in a warm place.
6. Periodically moisten the soil.
7. When shoots appear, remove the glass, and transfer the container closer to the light, but do not place it in direct sunlight.
8. When succulents get stronger, they can be planted in separate pots.

Cuttings

Features. Most often, propagation of pedilanthus by cuttings is practiced. For planting, you can use the shoots remaining after trimming and forming a crown. But for future plants, pick up strong healthy processes.

Algorithm

1. Cut the cuttings, 8-10 cm long.
2. Remove all lower leaves so that they do not pull the juices. It is enough to leave five or six leaves in the upper part of the cuttings.
3. As soon as the shoot is cut off, an abundant release of juice will immediately begin to stop it, put the cuttings in clean warm water for several hours.
4. Then lay them out to dry on soft paper towels. The process should last one to two days.
5. Pour sand or moist vermiculite into a shallow container.
6. Cut the cuttings into the ground by approximately 5 cm.
7. Moisten the soil a little.
8. Place the container in a warm, shaded place and wait for rooting.

Errors in the care of pedilanthus, pests and diseases

An unprincipled and very seasoned succulent can begin to wither or discard foliage. The main reason for the development of all problems of pedilanthus are errors in care. The plant, which was provided with proper maintenance, practically does not get sick and is not attacked by pests.

Major mistakes

Look carefully at the state of your succulent. Learn how to correctly and timely respond to the "requirements" of the pet in order to prevent the development of a serious illness. The table shows the main ones.

Table - Errors and methods for their elimination

Ambulance

If you notice any dots, spots or unaesthetic plaque on the leaves of the succulent, immediately begin treatment of your pet. Do not expect the disease to pass by itself. Otherwise, you can completely destroy your handsome. Frequent pests and control measures are presented in the table.

Table - Pedilanthus diseases and pests

Growing pedilanthus at home is a simple procedure, but only if you regularly pay attention to your pet. And the last tip. If the leaves began to acquire a red border, then this may signal the imminent flowering of succulents. But sometimes it’s with these symptoms that the pedilanthus signals an excess of light.