Image: AI generated
Devil's Backbone Plant Care
Zapoteca aculeata (Spruce ex Benth.) H.M.Hern.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zapoteca aculeata is a distinctive succulent plant known for its unique serrated leaves that resemble the spines of an alligator. Originating from Mexico, this plant thrives in arid habitats and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its easy care requirements and striking appearance.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Devil's Backbone?
Water Devil's Backbone every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Devil's Backbone Native To?
What Is the Devil's Backbone?
Devil's Backbone (Zapoteca aculeata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Zapoteca genus. Devil's Backbone is native to Tungurahua, Ecuador. Devil's Backbone is also known as Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant.
Devil's Backbone displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Devil's Backbone produces small clusters of colorful pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Devil's Backbone?
Zapoteca aculeata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Devil's Backbone Need?
Devil's Backbone thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Devil's Backbone in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Devil's Backbone Prefer?
Zapoteca aculeata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Devil's Backbone prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Devil's Backbone?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Devil's Backbone to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Devil's Backbone?
Feed Devil's Backbone every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Devil's Backbone?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Devil's Backbone?
Devil's Backbone can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to puerto rico zapoteca plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Devil's Backbone Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Devil's Backbone, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Devil's Backbone?
Devil's Backbone is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Devil's Backbone Need?
Devil's Backbone grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Devil's Backbone is native to Tungurahua, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Devil's Backbone as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Devil's Backbone is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Zapoteca genus — compare its care with other Zapoteca species on PlantoScan.
Zapoteca is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Devil's Backbone thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Zapoteca aculeata (Spruce ex Benth.) H.M.Hern., family Fabaceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 76: 855 (1989)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Devil's Backbone, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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