Euphorbia t 'Stick on Fire': Redbird Flower Succulent

Euphorbia t 'Stick on Fire': A Fiery Addition to Your Garden

Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Stick on Fire', also known as the Redbird Flower or Slipper Flower, is a striking succulent shrub admired for its vibrant, variegated foliage and unique flower bracts. This easy-to-grow plant brings a touch of the tropics to any landscape with its fiery display of red, pink, and green hues.

Year-Round Fiery Foliage

• Variegated Leaves: Showcases eye-catching, lance-shaped leaves with a mix of red, pink, cream, and green. The intensity of the red and pink colors intensifies in cooler weather and brighter sunlight.
• Unique Flower Bracts: Produces small, inconspicuous true flowers surrounded by showy, slipper-shaped bracts in shades of bright red, resembling tiny birds or shoes. These bracts appear intermittently throughout the year, adding to the plant's visual appeal.

Botanical Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Stick on Fire'
• Common Names: Redbird Flower, Slipper Flower, Devil's Backbone, Jacob's Ladder
• Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed succulent shrub with a somewhat zig-zagging growth pattern.
• Foliage: Variegated, lance-shaped leaves with red, pink, cream, and green coloration.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) tall and 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) wide.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11. Best suited for warm climates with minimal frost. Can be grown as a container plant in colder regions and brought indoors during winter.

Cultivation and Care:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) for the most vibrant foliage color. Can tolerate some light shade, but the colors may be less intense.  
• Soil: Requires well-draining soil. Like most succulents, 'Stick on Fire' is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal.  
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially during winter.
• Fertilizer: Generally does not require heavy fertilization. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost. Protect from freezing temperatures.

Landscape Use:

• Specimen Plant: Use as a vibrant focal point in gardens, borders, and rock gardens.
• Container Plant: Excellent for container gardening on patios, balconies, and decks. Its striking foliage adds a splash of color to any outdoor space.  
• Mass Planting: Can be mass planted for a dramatic effect, creating a colorful groundcover.
• Mixed Borders: Adds interesting texture and color contrast when planted alongside other succulents, cacti, and drought-tolerant plants.

Wildlife Attraction:

• Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, contributing to garden biodiversity.

Pest and Disease Resistance:

Generally resistant to most pests and diseases when grown in well-draining conditions. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot. Mealybugs and scale insects may occasionally be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.  

Propagation:

Easily propagated by stem cuttings. Allow the cut ends to callus over for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. Cuttings root readily in warm weather.

Incorporating Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Stick on Fire' into Your Landscape:

When designing your landscape, consider the following tips:

• Placement: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Companion Plants: Pair with other drought-tolerant plants like sedums, agaves, and cacti for a water-wise garden.
• Container Gardening: Use containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.  
• Winter Protection: In colder climates, bring container plants indoors or provide protection from frost.  

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