![]() Many people mistakenly think that they are allergic to Goldenrod when the true culprit is likely Ragweed. Native Americans used dried leaves to treat headaches and nosebleeds. The genus name, Solidago translates to, “to make whole,” likely in reference to its healing properties. The term “Zig Zag” in the common name refers to the way that the stem twists on its vertical axis between leaf nodes. That said, it will spread in part shade and should be planted with this issue in mind. Zig Zag Goldenrod can be told apart from Canadian Goldenrod by its broader leaves. This is not the same goldenrod that you may have noticed taking over roadsides. The plants will start fresh again in the spring. ![]() The best treatment would be to clean up the leaves in the fall. Some aesthetic issues such as rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can occur during seasons with high humidity but they are not fatal and at worst would force the plant into an early fall. This plant doesn’t suffer from any major diseases. This may result in the need to thin out after time. Does spread in moist, fertile soil under part shade. Aside from watering during establishment from initial planting, not much other care is needed. Other species within these genera of bees are so dependent upon goldenrod that proper larval development depends upon their receiving pollen from Solidago spp. The less-dependent species will use goldenrod exclusively while it’s in bloom and then simply switch to a different plant when they are out of bloom. Some bees of the genera Andrena and Colletes focus solely on collecting the nectar and pollen of goldenrods. This genus may be plentiful in our landscape, but a lot of things depend on this late bloomer, and it really should not be taken for granted.Ī word on bees. There are too many species to name that depend, in part, or even in whole, on Solidago plants. Many types of moths, stink bugs, fruit flies, and aphids feed on flowers, seeds, or roots. Butterflies, bees, wasps, and flies drink the nectar, and bees also collect the pollen. ![]() Use unglazed pots, which allow excess moisture to freely evaporate and prevent wet root damage.All parts of Zig Zag Goldenrod are useful to a wide variety of wildlife. Repot your plant every three to five years or as needed in a rich houseplant mix with plenty of sand mixed in to increase drainage. It doesn’t tolerate cold breezes, which can kill off the tips of the growth. Devil’s backbone houseplant does not need to be fed in the dormant seasons of fall and winter.Ĭhoose a draft free location in the home when growing Pedilanthus indoors. The plant produces the best growth with a once per month fertilizer solution diluted by half. Keep it only moderately moist, yet not soggy. Water the plants when the top few inches (8 cm.) of soil feels dry. Just turning the slats on your blinds can be enough to keep the tips of the leaves from sizzling. Plant in direct sun in fall and winter, but give it a little protection from stinging hot rays in spring and summer. Growing Pedilanthus Indoorsĭevil’s backbone houseplant likes bright indirect sunlight. Care of devil’s backbone babies is the same as the adult plants. Then repot the new plants in a good houseplant potting soil. Keep the perlite lightly moist until the stems root. Let the cut end callus for a few days and then insert it into a pot filled with perlite. Just cut a 4 to 6 inch (10-15 cm.) section of the stem from the plant. Growing the plant is easy and propagation even simpler. Care should be exercised when handling the plant. No devil’s backbone plant info would be complete without noting that the milky sap may be poisonous to some people. The plant is a member of the spurge family. The bract color may be white, green, red, or pink. The leaves are lance-shaped and thick on wiry stems. It makes a superb houseplant with its 2 foot (61 cm.) tall stems, alternate leaves, and colorful “flowers” which are actually bracts or modified leaves. The plant is native to the American tropics but only hardy in USDA zones 9 and 10. The scientific name for this plant, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, means foot-shaped flower. Whatever you call it, learn how to grow the devil’s backbone plant for unique and easy to care for indoor flora. Descriptive monikers for the foliage include rick rack plant and Jacob’s ladder. In an effort to describe the blooms, devil’s backbone has been called red bird flower, Persian lady slipper, and Japanese poinsettia. There are numerous fun and descriptive names for the devil’s backbone houseplant.
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