How to Grow and Care for Slipper Plants

This exotic-looking slipper plant is the perfect choice to brighten up landscaping in hot and dry climates.A slow-growing succulent, Euphorbia lomelii (formerly called Pedilanthus macrocarpus) sports vertical, light green stems that grow from a woody root crown. The stems are jointed, mostly unbranched, and coated in wax. Tiny green leaves grow at spread-out intervals, but slipper plants are often seen without these leaves. The foliage is short-lived and quickly drops after emerging.

The red, slipper-shaped flowers are the star of this all-around unique plant. The interesting blooms are where this plant gets its common name: slipper plant. Not only is this plant an eye-catching plant to observers, but it also attracts hummingbirds.

Like all members of the Euphorbia genus, this plant is toxic to humans and pets.

Slipper Plant Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a slipper plant:

• Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil.
• Once established, water sparingly. This is a drought-tolerant desert plant.
• Protect young plants from freezing temperatures.
• Do not fertilize unless you are growing it in a pot.

Light

Full sun is needed for this plant to flower. The more sun this plant receives, the more flowers it produces.

Soil

The slipper plant is hardy and not picky about its soil conditions or pH levels. However, the soil must be dry and well-draining for the plant to thrive.

Water

This desert dweller does not need frequent watering. Established plants are drought tolerant and may only need a couple of watering sessions a month, depending on the plant's location. This plant has been featured by water conservation campaigns as an excellent choice for xeriscaping or desert gardens.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant is heat-tolerant and can withstand very hot temperatures. Though native to warm regions, the slipper plant is also tolerant of cold weather and can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Younger growth is damaged by freezing temperatures, however.

Low humidity levels pose no problem for the slipper plant, thanks to its drought-tolerant nature. As a result, it can survive in even very dry climates.

Fertilizer

This plant thrives in poor desert soil that is low in nutrients. Therefore, fertilizer is not needed. For plants grown in containers or excessively poor soil, you may provide a boost by applying fertilizer at half-strength on a monthly basis.

Pruning

Broken or damaged stems can be removed at any time. The plant handles pruning well once established. Always wear gloves and eye protection when pruning to protect your skin from the milky sap.

Cut the oldest woody stems back to the ground level once a year, preferably in the early spring before the new growth starts. This improves air circulation and maintains the neat upright shape of the plant.

Propagating Slipper Plants

The slipper plant can be propagated by means of root division and cuttings. Because the slipper plant is slow-growing, it is not recommended to start it from seed.

To propagate by division:

1. Using a garden shovel, gently dig up the plant’s root system by digging in a circle around the plant.
2. Once the plant is loosened, lift the plant out of the ground.
3. Using the shovel or a pair of garden snips, divide the root system into roughly equal portions. Be sure each division has healthy roots and foliage, which will support the new plant.
4. Plant each division in its own area or container.

To propagate from cuttings:

1. Using clean, sharp scissors or garden snips, trim a cutting from the light green, succulent stems.
2. Place the cutting in the shade. Allow the cutting to dry until the cut end has calloused over.
3. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil, place in a sunny area, and water every few days.
4. Gradually decrease watering to every two weeks or so.

Potting and Repotting Slipper Plants

The slipper plant grows very well in pots and makes a great choice for succulent containers. This is also a good idea if you plan to grow these plants in cooler regions, since they'll be easy to move indoors during the winter months.

A large pot, around three gallons or so, is needed for mature plants. Be sure the pot drains easily to avoid any sitting water. Since the slipper plant is slow-growing, it does not need to be repotted often. However, if you notice that the plant is becoming root-bound and has outgrown its pot, gently work the root system out of the container. It may help to tip its container on its side to allow the plant to slide out. Choose one pot size up and plant the slipper plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Overwintering Slipper Plants

Since these plants are typically grown in areas without harsh winters, overwintering is often not a concern. The slipper plant can tolerate temperatures as low as mid-20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you live in a climate with winter temperatures that dip below this mark, then you will need to take steps to overwinter your slipper plant.

To overwinter the slipper plant indoors, it is best to grow it in a container from the start. Bring it inside in the fall as the temperatures drop. While some plants may struggle to adjust to drier indoor air, these plants do fine in dry conditions and generally won't have trouble adapting. Find a sunny window location and water sparingly only when the soil feels dry as the plant goes dormant during the winter.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Slipper plant is rarely affected by any serious pests or diseases.It might attract mealy bugs, white flies, scale, or spider mites. Powdery mildew can also occur, especially in high humidity.

How to Get Slipper Plants to Bloom

Bloom Months

The slipper plant typically blooms from late spring to midsummer and sometimes into the early fall.

How Long Does the Slipper Plant Bloom?

The blooms are short-lived and typically do not last for more than a day or two, but the flowers are plentiful and appear every year. Giving slipper plant a location in full sun is the best way to make it bloom.

What Do Slipper Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The non-fragrant flowers are shaped liked a lady slipper or a bird’s head, ranging in color ranges from red to orange and yellow. The flower head sits atop of the tall stem. It contains one rather inconspicuous small female flower, which appears first, and several larger male flowers about 1 inch long.

How to Encourage More Blooms

The more sun this plant receives, the more flowers it produces so make sure to give slipper plant a sunny spot.

Caring for Slipper Plant After It Blooms

There is nothing to be done after the bloom. Leave the spent flowers on the plant; they will turn into pretty, red, oblong (inedible) fruit in the fall.

From: thespruce