This is important since the roots are in a confined space. Keeping the foliage trimmed also keeps the plants looking neat and tidy, encourages the plant to develop more side-shoots and flowers, and reduces the demand for the plant to develop a larger root system.
Most container plants can be pruned freely to maintain the desired size and shape. A single application can often provide plants with the proper level of nutrition all season long. Slow-release fertilizers are an especially good, care-free choice for container plants. Devil's backbone can take direct sun on its leaves indoors, and with enough light, you might even get to enjoy. It can tolerate low light for extended periods, but eventually leans toward the light and gets lanky, becoming unattractive (so we don't recommend it for low light). Too much fertilizer can damage plants so it’s important to follow the package directions to determine how much, and how often, to feed plants. Devil's backbone is a fun houseplant for a medium to bright spot. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed for foliage plants. Fertilizing Instructionsįertilizers for Devil's Backbone plants are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. This indicates that the soil is thoroughly wet. Water the entire soil area until water runs out the base of the pot. If the top 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, or plants are wilted, it is time to water.Īpply water at the soil level if possible to avoid wetting the foliage. Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Watering Instructionsĭevil's Backbone prefers moist but well-drained soil. Repot every 2 years in the same container or in a container slightly larger than the diameter of the roots. Place plant in a reliably sunny location. When all the plants are potted, water thoroughly to settle the soil and give plants a good start. Insert the plant into the hole and press soil firmly around the roots and just covering the root ball. Make a small hole in the soil slightly larger than the Zig-Zag plant's root ball either by hand or using a trowel. Prepare the container by filling with potting soil up to 2” (5cm) from the rim of the planter.
We first got this plant from Jo OConnell at Australian Native Plants in 2004 and have. Select a container with a drainage hole or be prepared to drill holes for drainage if there are none. Acacia merinthophora, Zigzag Wattle, Shrub,, San Marcos Growers. Many are available with a mild starter fertilizer in the mix. These are usually lighter in weight than topsoil, sterile and pest-free. To plant Devil's Backbone start with a good quality, commercial potting soil.