The house plant Pedilanthus is a leafy shrub known by its zig-zag stem. The stem is green and grows to about 2 feet long. It changes direction every inch or so, first to the left and then to the right.
In addition to the common name "red bird plant," Pedilanthus is also known as "devil's backbone" or "Jacob's ladder."
Pedilanthus requires bright light, with two or three hours of direct sunlight every day. Take care not to over-water, which can cause rotting. Water sparingly, just enough to make the potting mixture moist. Water even more sparingly if the room temperature is below 60 degrees; the temperature should never go below 55 degrees. Liquid fertilizer should be used once a month.
Pedilanthus should be planted in extra course sand or perlite for drainage. It does best in a small pot; you can change pots to just one size larger when roots become extremely crowded.
Gloria Jenkins, Smith County Master Gardener
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