I spent decades calling this ‘The Gran Plant’ before I knew its proper name. Our family still refers to it as such. My Gran kept this plant in her foyer in the winter and on her porch in the summer. It was planted in a gorgeous Majolica Jardiniere. My Aunt has this planter in her dining room.
It seems strange to call it ‘Christmas Candle Plant’ or ‘Redbird Cactus’ since I have never seen it bloom.
I won’t be calling it ‘Devil’s Backbone’ because I have too many other “Devil’s” all ready. Its Latin name is Euphorbia (Pedilanthus)tithymaloides. I definitely will not be calling it that.
There are many conflicting facts about this plant on the internet. The most interesting pair was that the milky sap is poisonous versus making a cocktail with it. Some say water it in winter, some say do not. Another tip is to root cuttings in dry soil, while I have always successfully rooted them in water.
I am the guardian of ‘The Gran Plant’ and ‘The Pearson Peony’ for the family. I consider this responsibility of great importance. These living legacies are of great value.
The FLOWER Keeper
floweralley 
What a beautiful plant Flo.. and Love the name you call it.. And looks an easy rooter too š
I have around 7 Christmas Cacti plants all from one my hubby bought me on around our 5th Wedding Anniversary, Over 40 years later the main plant is still going, and is huge, and its babies have been passed on many times around family .. You are a good Guardian and Gardener Flower.. š
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I prefer to root things in water (e.g. Cuphea or the Cigar Plant, Rosemary, Swedish Ivy, a little Tradescantia, etc.). I can see the roots develop and decide when to pot up the cuttings. I’ve heard that “water roots” won’t work in soil, but I just keep the soil really wet for the first few weeks after potting, and most of the time it works well. Sticking cuttings in soil, on the other hand, sometimes works but more often than not doesn’t (for me, anyway).
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I totally agree with this. I like watching roots grow. Thanks Audrey.
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What a treasure. Various clear jars and vases are scattered about on windowsills and ledges here and there in my house. Each has a plant rooting in it. Loved your post.
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Thank you bfl. I think plants in glass are beautiful.
Do you really go barefoot?
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Yes, I do really go barefoot for as long as the weather allows. I’m not a fan of shoes in general. Ha!
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Or is the lily barefoot?
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