Senecio peregrinus is a succulent that’s truly delightful to look at with its trailing thin stems that feature green-colored, oddly-curved, dolphin-shaped leaves. For this reason, this rare succulent goes by nicknames that allude to its peculiar shape – “String of Dolphins”, “Dolphin Necklace”, “Flying Dolphins”, and “Dolphin Plant”.

As cute and charming as the leaves look, the shape appears to serve a special function for Senecio peregrinus in that it helps the plant absorb more sunlight.

String of Dolphins is a hybrid of Curio Rowleyanus (“String of Pearls”) and Curio Articulatus (“Candle Plant”), both of which belong to the Senecio genus. The succulent’s origin has been traced to Southwest Africa and is a member of the Asteraceae family.

As Senecio peregrinus matures, it starts to spread outward. Landscapers can use Dolphin Plant as ground cover or as a trailing plant in a hanging basket. Within a year, the slender stems can grow to a length of 36-inches (91cm).

Flying Dolphins will produce delicately small, white-colored, and puffball-shaped flowers that appear with golden yellow or bright-red filaments during the Fall months. The flowers emit a pleasant scent that’s similar to cinnamon spice.

General Information:

Also known as: String of Dolphins, Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins, and Dolphin Plant.
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Hybrid of Curio Rowleyanus and Curio Articulatus; native of Southwest Africa
Height: 36-inches (91cm)
Exposure: Preferably up to 6 hours exposure to partial sun but direct sunlight is also good as long as it’s not the afternoon sun
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant; use the “Soak and Dry” method for watering
Soil Type: Cactus mix or succulent soil will be fine. Another option is 2 parts potting soil mixed with 1 part 50% perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and lava rock to speed up soil drainage.
Soil pH: 6.6 to 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Senecio Peregrinus

Senecio peregrinus is easy to grow and care for. Just remember that its needs for sunlight and water are as different as night and day.

Sunlight every day and water only sparingly – whenever the soil has completely dried out. Keep this rule in mind and your String of Dolphins will come along swimmingly.

Dolphin Plant will thrive better in the great outdoors because of the abundance of sunlight and the quality of the soil. But with just a bit more effort, you can successfully grow Dolphin Plant indoors.

In fact, it would be better to grow Senecio peregrinus indoors if the temperature in your region falls below 30° F (-1.1° C) because this isn’t a cold-hardy succulent.

Plant hobbyists usually grow Dolphin Necklace as a hanging succulent indoors to adorn bookshelves and stairwells.

Good outdoor ideas for Senecio peregrinus would be to include it as part of a vertical garden or have an experienced landscape gardener train the Flying Dolphins to climb a trellis or a moss pole.

There are a lot of possibilities with Senecio peregrinus as long as you grow and care for it properly.

Sunlight

Senecio peregrinus needs sunlight but not as much as other types of succulents. They do well under full sunlight but to be on the safe side, if you’re planting Dolphin Plant with other succulents in an outdoor area, put it in an area where it can get up to 6 hours of partial sunlight.

For sure, you must protect String of Dolphins from the intense rays of the afternoon sun because its leaves will burn. To make Senecio peregrinus happy, the morning sun will always be the better and healthier choice.

As a houseplant, place Flying Dolphins near a south-facing window where the succulent plant can get 6 hours of morning sunlight. Another option would be to place the succulents under an LED Grow Light for the required number of hours. This would be an ideal solution during the winter months.

Watering

Giving Senecio peregrinus water while the soil still has moisture is bad for the plant’s health. If the roots are kept in a moist environment for a long time, they will rot and expose the plant to a high risk of contamination.

Unlike sunlight which String of Dolphins needs to have every day, you only water its soil between dry periods.

During the summer and spring months, you might decide to water only every seven to 10 days. To be sure, always check the soil’s level of dryness. Simply insert a stick an inch deep into the soil and if the end feels dry after you pull it out, give the soil a good soaking.

This is called the “Soak and Dry” method where you water the soil only between dry periods.

When winter rolls in, expect to water the soil much more sparingly – maybe only once a month.

Pot and Soil

As mentioned before, Senecio peregrinus can be displayed as a hanging succulent. Choose a container that’s made of either unglazed ceramic or terracotta because these types of materials are highly absorbent of moisture and will help dry out the soil faster.

The size of the pot must be slightly larger than the base of the plant to maintain proper soil aeration and to allow the roots to grow without getting tangled up. Lastly, the pot must have a drain hole at the bottom to filter out excess water.

String of Dolphins thrives in arid, well-draining soil such as cactus or one that’s specifically formulated for succulents. You can also combine 2 parts of potting soil with 1 part of pumice, perlite, and coarse sand.

Fertilizer is not important if you’re growing Senecio peregrinus outdoors. But if the Flying Dolphin is kept indoors, adding organic fertilizer to the soil will give the plant more nutrition.

You can also use organic compost, manure, peat moss, or vermicompost. Other options for soil nutrition are liquid plant food and slow-release fertilizers.

Use fertilizer only during the growing season. At most, fertilize only once a month and dilute the formula to a quarter of its original strength. Too much fertilizer will kill the leaves.

If Senecio peregrinus is growing too big for its current pot, it must be transferred to a new one. You must repot only during the summer or spring. Transfer to a pot that’s 1.5-times bigger than its old pot and use a fresh batch of succulent soil.

How to Propagate Senecio Peregrinus

Thinking of having more Strings of Dolphins in the garden, at home, or perhaps as gifts to friends and family? The good news is that you can propagate Senecio peregrinus via leaves.

Leaves Method

Step 1: Choose a healthy leaf that’s growing near the stem of the main plant and perform a clean twist and pull. Make sure no part of Flying Dolphin is left on the stem or propagation won’t be successful. If this does happen, repeat the process.

Step 2: Let the leaves form calluses over a period of 2 to 4 days.

Step 3: Place the leaves on top of well-draining soil. The leaves must have ample distance from each other.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil and move the container near an area that gets up to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day. You can also use a Grow Light.

Step 5: Observe the leaves. If the roots have sprouted and taken hold of the soil, water only when the soil has gone dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Senecio barbertonicus is an evergreen succulent plant that’s readily identifiable by its thick-banded bushes with finger-like leaves. This is a succulent that can grow to a height of 2m (6.5’) but in some cases, there are Senecio barbertonicus that have grown to 3m (10’).

Senecio barbertonicus is known by its alias, Succulent Bush Senecio but it also goes by other names such as Finger-leaved Senecio, Barberton Senecio, and Lemon Bean Bush.

Succulent Bush Senecio’s leaves are thick, cylindrical, and densely packed near the stem and the color hue varies from bright green to olive green. The leaves are 5-10cm (2-4”) long and 5-10mm (0.2 – 0.4”) in diameter.

Unlike most types of succulents that go dormant in winter, Finger-leaved Senecio blooms clusters of golden-yellow flowers that resemble daisies and emit a nice fragrance.

The flowers measure 10mm (0.4”) and 75mm (3”) long and appear on the tips of the branches. They also produce fruits that are 3-5mm (11-19”) with a ribbed texture and cylindrical shape.

Senecio barbertonicus is native to South Africa and can be found growing mostly in sub-tropical woodland and grassy regions such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland. Succulent Bush Senecio is a member of the Asteraceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Succulent Bush Senecio, Finger-leaved Senecio, Lemon Bean Bush
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 2m (6.5’)
Exposure: Full to partial sun of up to 6 hours
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant succulent only needs water when the soil is completely dry.
Soil Type: Well-draining mix with pumice, perlite, or sand to improve the level of drainage.
Soil pH: Not particular; can thrive in a wide variety of soil pH levels.

How to Grow and Care for Senecio Barbertonicus

Senecio barbertonicus is an excellent addition to your garden especially when it’s paired with other types of succulent plants with similar finger-like leaves such as Euphorbia tirucalli and Rubber euphorbia.

Succulent Bush Senecio can also be used to adorn your home as an indoor succulent. Just keep in mind that this plant can grow into a mini-tree and will need to be pruned at the top to keep it from falling over.

Other than that, this is a variety of succulent that are easy to grow and care for.

Sunlight

Senecio barbertonicus can thrive in a desert environment and needs to get plenty of sunlight. As an outdoor succulent, the ideal location would be an area that regularly gets 6 hours of morning sunlight per day.

If your region experiences temperature drops to below -1.1° C (30° C), we recommend growing Finger-leaved Senecio in a pot that can be moved indoors. Place the pot near a window that receives 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day.

Watering

This is a drought-tolerant succulent that can survive the harsh conditions of the desert – but not overwatering.

Senecio barbertonicus can go for a month without water. If you water it more than what’s needed, the roots will rot and the plant will develop a fungal infection.

The simple rule to follow is to water Succulent Bush Senecio only when you can prove that the soil is completely dry.

You can do this by inserting a stick into the soil. If the end of the stick feels dry after you pull it out, then the soil is ready to get soaked thoroughly.

Remember to water the soil and not the plant. The best time to water Senecio barbertonicus is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Pot and Soil

Senecio barbertonicus can grow tall and heavy. Be ready to change pots once the succulent hits a growth spurt. Re-potting usually takes place every 2-3 years.

Choose a pot that’s made of ceramic or terracotta to ensure proper evaporation of moisture from the soil.

The pot must have a drain hole with a mesh cover to allow excess water to come out when you’re giving the soil a thorough watering.

Senecio barbertonicus is a durable succulent and can tolerate poor quality soil and a wide range of pH levels.

For best results, plant the succulent in a well-draining potting mix and add ingredients such as perlite, pumice, and sand to further relieve excess moisture from the soil.

You can also add fertilizer to improve soil nutrition but choose brands that are low in nitrogen but have good levels of phosphorus and potassium.

How to Propagate Senecio Barbertonicus

You can propagate Senecio barbertonicus via leaf and stem cuttings. Summer and spring are the ideal seasons for propagation.

Method 1: Leaf Cuttings

Step 1: Choose a healthy-looking leaf from the main stem of the plant.

Step 2: Cut the leaf with a sterilized and sharpened pair of garden shears.

Step 3: Place the leaf cuttings in a warm and dry area where it can develop hard calluses over a period of 2-3 days.

Step 4: When the leaf cuttings have callused over, place them on top of well-draining soil.

Step 5: Keep the soil lightly moist through constant misting but once the cuttings have taken root, give it water only when the soil has completely dried out.

Method 2: Stem

Step 1: Find a stem that has many healthy leaves growing on it.

Step 2: Cut a stem the size of 5cm (2”) by using a sterilized and sharpened pair of garden shears.

Step 3: Leave the stem cutting to dry out and callus over a period of 2-3 days.

Step 4: Place the stem cutting on top of well-draining soil.

Step 4: Mist the soil frequently to keep it moist. Once the roots have grown firm, water the soil only when it’s 100% dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Senecio Haworthii can be a conversation piece in any garden arrangement. The leaves are its eye-catching feature. Approximately 2cm long, the leaves of this succulent shrub are covered by dense, shiny, silver-white colored hairs that make them resemble cocoons.

Thus, the succulent is also known as Cocoon Plant. Another popular alias is Wooly Senecio. The leaves of Cocoon Plant are arranged by its stems and this gives it a thick, columnar appearance.

Senecio Haworthii is native to South Africa and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It produces bright yellow flowers between the winter and summer months.

Categorized as a “dwarf succulent”, Cocoon Plant can grow to a height of 30cm (12”) with a spread of 60cm (24”).

General Information:

Also known as: Cocoon Plant. Wooly Senecio
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 30cm (12”)
Exposure: Direct morning sun for up to 6 hours
Water Needs: Drought-resistant; only water when the soil is completely dry.
Soil Type: Sandy loam mix with added gravel.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

How to Grow and Care for Senecio Haworthii

The cylindrical, cocoon-like leaves of Senecio Haworthii make it a favorite of many horticulturists. Placed against the backdrop of green-colored succulents, the silver-white, fuzzy hairs of Cocoon Plant make it stand out as an accent piece.

The leaves are not just for show. Their thickness and density are a result of the leaves adapting to changes in temperature that range from -6ºC to 40ºC (42.8ºF to 104ºF).

With a bit of planning, Senecio Haworthii is easy to grow and care for.

Sunlight

As a garden succulent, plant Senecio Haworthii in an area that receives 6 hours of morning sunlight every day.

This type of succulent grows best at a temperature between -4° C – 10° C (-25° F – 50° F). If the temperature in your region drops below -1° C (30° F), it would be best to move Cocoon Plant indoors.

As an indoor succulent, place Senecio Haworthii near a window that receives 3 to 6 hours of morning sunlight.

Watering

Senecio Haworthii is a drought-tolerant succulent and can survive long periods of time without water.

The best method to use for watering is the soak and dry method. Check the topsoil. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s ready for watering.

If you want to be sure, insert a stick an inch into the soil. Remove the stick and if the end feels dry, then go ahead and water until the soil is completely soaked.

Cut back on the watering schedule during the winter months because the soil tends to stay moist longer.

Pot and Soil

The best pot to grow Senecio Haworthii is ceramic or made of terracotta because it allows moisture to escape from the soil.

If the roots are immersed in moist soil for a long period of time, they will rot and develop fungi that can infect the entire plant. It’s also important to make sure the pot has a drain hole with a mesh cover to allow excess water to spill out.

Cocoon Plant is resilient and can thrive in different types of soil but we recommend sandy loam potting mix with gravel added to improve drainage.

How to Propagate Senecio Haworthii

IMultiplying Senecio Haworthii is possible through 2 methods of propagation: Stems and leaf cuttings.

Method 1 – Stem Cuttings Method

Step 1: Choose a healthy stem from the main plant.

Step 2: Cut the stem with a sanitized and sharpened knife or a pair of garden shears.

Step 3: Place the stem in a warm and dry area. Allow it to develop hard calluses in 2 to 3 days.

Step 4: Once the stem has developed calluses, place it on top of potting soil mix.

Step 5: Lightly mist the soil 4 to 5 times a day.

Method 2 – Leaf Cuttings Method

Step 1: Choose a leaf from the stem that has no signs of disease.

Step 2: Perform a clean cut of the leaf from the stem by using a sterilized and sharpened knife or a pair of garden shears. To ensure a successful propagation, make sure no parts of the leaf are on the stem.

Step 3: Place the leaf cuttings in a warm and dry place and allow it to develop hard calluses in 2 to 3 days.

Step 4: Once calluses have formed on the leaf cuttings, place them on top of sandy loam soil and let them take root.

Step 5: Lightly mist the soil 4 to 5 times a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Senecio serpens is a tantalizing succulent plant. It has bluish-green leaves that appear to be dusted with chalk and are reaching up to the sky. The elongated, upward-moving direction of its leaves and its powdery/chalk-like edges have given Senecio serpens the nickname “Blue Chalksticks”.

When Senecio serpens is given enough sunlight, the edges of its leaves turn purple.

Blue Chalksticks can grow up to 36-inches or 91cm. It comes from the Asteraceae family and is native to South Africa. The succulent blooms small, white flowers in the summertime.

General Information:

Also known as: Blue Chalksticks, Blue Chalk Sticks
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 36-inches or 91cm tall
Exposure: Partial to light sunlight
Water Needs: Water only when soil is dry to the touch, little watering during the winter months.
Soil Type: Cactus soil or potting soil mixed with coarse sand or perlite at a 1:1 ratio
Soil pH: Acidic (6.0to 7.0 pH)
Tolerance: Drought

How to Grow and Care for Senecio Serpens

Senecio serpens is easy to grow and maintain. It is popularly used as a garden cover although you can also grow Blue Chalksticks for container gardens.

1.     Sunlight

If used to adorn a container garden or as ground cover, Senecio serpens should be planted in an area the receives 6 to 8 hours of morning sunlight every day.

As an indoor plant, Senecio serpens should be placed near a window that receives the most sunlight per day. You can also place the succulent under a Grow Light for up to 16 hours every day to get the right amount of lighting the plant needs.

2.     Watering

Senecio serpens is a succulent plant that is highly tolerant to drought. During the growing season, Blue Chalksticks will hardly need water. Giving the plant more water than it requires will cause its roots to rot.

The recommended schedule is once every three to four weeks. Before watering, make sure the soil is completely dried out. You can do this by feel or by inserting a stick into the soil. If the stick comes out dry, water the plant.

Water the soil until it drips from the drainage holes and accumulates on the tray. Once the tray is filled up, throw away the water. Do not let the plant rest on excess water and avoid watering the leaves.

3.     Pot and Soil

Place Senecio serpens in a pot that is big enough to allow its roots to grow. Choose a pot that is made of ceramic material and free of glazing. A ceramic pot encourages evaporation and allows the soil to dry out completely. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole.

The best type of soil for Blue Chalksticks is one that is well-aerated and well-draining. You can opt for cactus soil or specially-formulated succulent potting soil then add perlite or coarse sand at a 1:1 ratio to further improve drainage.

It is recommended to give Blue Chalksticks fertilizer at least once a year. The fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength by adding water and it must be low in nitrogen. The fertilizer will not be necessary if Senecio serpens is planted outdoors. 

How to Propagate Senecio Serpens

Senecio serpens is a succulent that can be propagated with three methods: Cuttings, Clumps, and Seeds.

Method 1 – Cuttings

Step 1 – Use a sterilized and sharpened knife or a pair of garden shears to remove a leaf from the stem of the main plant.

Step 2 – Place the leaf on a dry and shaded area for 1 to 2 days or until it has dried out and developed calluses.

Step 3 – Once the calluses have formed, place the leaf on a bed of well-draining soil.

Method 2 – Clumps

Step 1 – Senecio serpens can grow in clumps of small plants. Gently remove the plant from the soil and pull out the clumps.

Step 2 – Replant the clump in its own pot. Make sure to fill in the pot with well-draining soil.

Method 3 – Seed

Step 1 – Before planting the seeds, make sure the temperature is warmer or that you are using a seed warmer or a Grow Light.

Step 2 – Plant the seeds in well-draining soil.

Step 3 – Water the soil whenever it is dry to the touch. Germination may take several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Senecio rowleyanus is an elegant succulent. It makes a perfect hanging garden plant. With its green, round leaves trailing down long, slender stems, Senecio rowleyanus creates an impression of a garden adorned by its other name – “String of Pearls”.

The greenish color gives String of Pearls the look of peas which are approximately ¼” in diameter. The leaves have small pointed tips at their ends plus a thin strip of dark green coloring along its side.

It can be said that Senecio rowleyanus is a marvel of nature’s engineering. The round shape of its leaf reduces surface area that is exposed to the dry air of the desert and prevents water loss. In addition, the shape of the leaf has been found to improve the occurrence of photosynthesis.

You will see a dark, somewhat translucent tissue on the side of Senecio rowleyanus’ leaf. This substance allows light to penetrate the leaf more effectively and encourage photosynthesis to take place.

Senecio rowleyanus, when allowed to trail, will reach a length of 3-feet or 90cm. Cut the stems if they are starting to look straggly.

String of Pearls comes from the Asteraceae family and is native to South Africa and Southern Namibia. The succulent was named after the British botanist who discovered it – Gordon Rowley.

General Information:

Also known as: String of Pearls
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa and Southern Namibia
Height: 3-feet or 90cm
Exposure: Partial to light sunlight up to 3 hours per day
Water Needs: Water only when soil is dry to the touch, little watering during the winter months.
Soil Type: Cactus mix combined with an equal part of an inorganic material such as sharp sand, poultry grit, pumice, or small pea gravel.
Soil pH: Neutral (6.6 to 7.5 pH)
Tolerance: Drought

How to Grow and Care for Senecio Rowleyanus – String of Pearls

Senecio rowleyanus is a prolific grower. Plant it in a hanging basket and watch it grow rapidly; cascading down the side of the pot. 

Senecio rowleyanus can also be grown in a flat dish to allow it to maintain the trailing growth it is known for in South Africa.

1.   Sunlight

Senecio rowleyanus is not a cold-hardy plant. It thrives in a zone 10 environment where the temperature is a Minimum 30° F or -1° C.

String of Pearls will grow better under partial or light shade where it receives 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight.

If grown indoors, place String of Pearls in an area where it can receive partial sunlight.

2.   Watering

Senecio rowleyanus is more sensitive to overwatering compared to other types of succulent plants.

If you give it more water than it needs, the “pearls” may burst. Also, it will lead to overwatering which will cause the roots to rot.

Before giving String of Pearls water, test the soil’s moisture level. Water the plant if the soil is dry to the touch. To be more certain, insert a stick 2-inches deep into the soil. If the stick comes up dry, give the succulent water.

3.   Pot and Soil

When planting Senecio rowleyanus, choose a container that is shallow because this succulent does not produce an extensive root system. A shallow container will allow moisture to leave the soil faster.

Given a choice of potting materials – clay, plastic or ceramic – always choose clay because it supports faster evaporation of excess moisture and allows the soil to dry faster.

Your best option for potting soil is cactus mix combined with an equal part of an inorganic material such as sharp sand, poultry grit, pumice, or small pea gravel.

It is highly recommended to re-pot String of Pearls every 1 to 2 years. 

How to Propagate Senecio Rowleyanus – String of Pearls

One reason why Senecio rowleyanus is a popular variety with succulent growers is that it is easy to grow and a fast propagator.

The best way to propagate String of Pearls is to use the cuttings method.

Step 1 – Remove a cutting that is approximately 4-inches or 10cm from the stem by using a sterilized and sharpened knife or scissors.

Step 2 – Allow the cuttings to rest in a dry and shaded area for 1 to 2 days or until it has developed calluses.

Step 3 – Once the cuttings have hardened, press them into the potting mix, ensuring the leaves are almost covered. The soil should be lightly moistened. If the soil has dried out completely, give it some water.  

Frequently Asked Questions

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Senecio radicans are also called String of Bananas because its leaves are shaped like bananas. Senecio radicans is a fast-growing succulent that is often used as an ornament in a hanging basket or a tall planter which allows the stems to extend down to the floor like vines.

In South Africa, where String of Bananas originates, the succulent is used as ground covers along with other varieties of vegetation. The stems of Senecio radicans can reach 3-feet (90cm) long. The plant itself can reach a height of 2-feet or 61cm. 

Senecio radicans produce small flowers that vary in color from white to yellow to lavender. The flowers emit a sweet and spicy scent that is reminiscent of cinnamon.

Senecio radicans comes from the Asteraceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: String of Bananas.
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 2-feet or 61cm
Exposure: Partial sunlight up to 6 hours
Water Needs: Frequent watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Cactus soil mixed with perlite at a 2:1 ratio or cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand at a 2:1 ratio.
Soil pH: Strongly Acidic (6.0 to 7.0 pH)
Tolerance: Drought; cannot tolerate frost

How to Grow Senecio Radicans

Senecio radicans is an easy succulent to grow and has become popular in recent years because of the cascading nature of its stems that make it a wonderful ornamental succulent.

String of Bananas is highly-resilient to dry weather but not intense heat. The succulent is also not frost tolerant. If the temperature in your region falls below 30° F or -1.1° C, it would be best to grow the Senecio radicans succulent indoors.

1.   Sunlight

Senecio radicans thrives best when exposed to indirect sunlight. The succulent can get sunburned if exposed to intense heat or to direct sunlight for several hours. Generally, String of Bananas grows better when given 5 to 6 hours of indirect sun exposure.

If planted outdoors, place Senecio radicans in a partially shaded area or where it can receive cover from taller plants. The best location is one that receives a good amount of bright morning sun. Avoid places where it can get full exposure from the afternoon sun.

If grown indoors, place it near windows facing the east, south or west. Again, avoid direct sunlight. If the room receives poor sunlight, place the succulent under a Grow Light.

2.   Watering

The stems of Senecio radicans and its plump banana-shaped leaves can store water which is the reason the succulent can endure prolonged dry climate.

Like other succulents, String of Bananas should only receive water when the soil is dry to the touch and free moisture. It is not uncommon for growers of this succulent to give it water every 7 to 10 days.

During wintertime, the soil stays moist longer which means you have to cut back on the watering schedule. You may only need to water Senecio radicans once a month in the wintertime. To be sure, check the topsoil’s level of dryness.

Overwatering the succulent will lead to root rot which can lead to fungal infection and possibly death.

3.   Pot and Soil

To minimize the risk of Senecio radicans getting root rot, plant it in a pot or planter that has good drainage.

The soil also needs to be well-draining. Cactus soil mix is a good choice for Senecio radicans. Add in perlite at a 2:1 ratio to further improve drainage. Another good option would be sandy soil which can be made by combining cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand at a 2:1 ratio. 

4.   Fertilizer

Fertilizing will help ensure that Senecio radicans gets all the nutrients it needs to grow properly and produce its beautiful flowers.

Use a balanced blend of fertilizer that is diluted to half-strength. You can find fertilizer blends that are produced specifically for succulent plants.

Feed String of Bananas fertilizer during the active growing season which is the spring and summer months. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter seasons. 

How to Propagate Senecio Radicans

Senecio radicans is a favorite for many succulent growers because it is easy to propagate. With a bit of patience and effort, you can have your patio adorned with many hanging planters of String of Bananas. 

The only way to propagate Senecio radicans is by using its stem cuttings.

Step 1: Cut a mature stem for the best results. Make sure to use a sharpened and sterilized knife or garden shears when cutting off the stem.

Step 2: Unlike other succulents that require several days to dry out before planting, the stems of String of Bananas are so thin, it can dry out in 1 day. Simply leave the stem for up to a day and it should be ready for planting.

Step 3: Fill the pot with well-draining soil. You can choose to plant the cuttings in the soil or lay them on the soil. It will take 2 to 3 weeks for the plant to establish its roots. 

Step 4: When the soil feels dry, give it a misting to ensure proper moisture. Once the roots have set in, switch from misting to watering. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Senecio vitalis is a fast-spreading succulent that has great ornamental appeal which makes it the ideal plant for container gardens. Senecio vitalis is also called Blue Chalk Fingers and Narrow Leaf Chalk Sticks because of its elongated foliage which extends from the stem and gives it the appearance of having fingers.

Blue Chalk Fingers has greyish-green leaves that are 2.75-inches to 5.95-inches long (7cm to 15cm). Senecio vitalis has a waxy coating which protects it from hot and dry conditions. Once the coating of the leaf is removed or rubbed off, the succulent’s blue-green color will be revealed.

Senecio vitalis can grow up to 24-inches (61cm) tall and 60-inches (152.4cm) wide. The species originates from the Asteraceae family and is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

General Information:

Also known as: Blue Chalk Fingers and Narrow Leaf Chalk Stick
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Eastern Cape of South Africa
Height: 24-inches (61cm))
Exposure: Full sunlight up to 6 hours; partial sunlight up to 4 hours
Water Needs: Frequent watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Cactus soil mix will do or a regular potting mix combined with 1 part Pine Bark fines, 1 part Turface, and 1 part crushed granite
Soil pH: Acidic (6.0 to 7.0 pH)

How to Grow and Care for Senecio Vitalis

Senecio vitalis is an easy succulent to grow and take care of. The plant will be an excellent addition to a Mediterranean garden or a Rock garden. Blue Chalk Fingers propagates very fast and because it spreads quickly, be aware of where you will plant the succulent outdoors.

Keep in mind that Senecio vitalis can be toxic. Wear nitrile-dipped gloves when handling Blue Chalk Fingers.

Senecio vitalis is not a cold hardy succulent. If you live in a region where the temperatures can drop below 30° F (-1.1° C), it would be best to place the plant in a container that can be moved indoors.

1.   Sunlight

If grown outdoors, place Senecio vitalis in an area in the garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight.

If Senecio vitalis is brought indoors, place the container near a window that gets partial to full sunlight.

2.   Watering

Senecio vitalis is highly-resistant to drought and can survive long periods with water. The succulent is susceptible to root rot which is caused by overwatering. The best approach would be to water Blue Chalk Fingers only if the soil is dry to the touch and free of moisture.

3.   Pot and Soil

It is important for Senecio vitalis to be grown in a pot that has good drainage. If the succulent stays in moistened soil for a long period of time, its roots will rot and spread disease throughout the plant.

The soil that you use to grow Senecio vitalis should also have good draining properties. A cactus soil mix will do or a regular potting mix combined with 1 part Pine Bark fines, 1 part Turface, and 1 part crushed granite.

Pine bark tends to hold water longer but has air pockets that allow proper ventilation. Turface which is an absorbent-type of rock takes in some of the water before slowly draining it out. The crushed granite helps clear out the excess water to keep the soil dry.

How to Propagate Senecio Vitalis

You won’t have a hard time propagating Senecio vitalis as the succulent is a prolific propagator.

Propagating Blue Chalk Fingers by using stem cuttings is the recommended method.

Step 1: Because Senecio vitalis can be toxic, put on a pair of nitrile-dipped gloves before proceeding to cut the stems.

Step 2: Use a sharp and sterilized knife or garden shears to cut the stem from near the base of the main plant.

Step 3: Place the stem cutting under a shaded area and allow it to dry and develop hard calluses. The process of developing calluses may take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks.

Step 4: When the stem cutting has developed calluses, plant the cut part into the pot of well-draining soil. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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