Blue Chalksticks, or the Senecio Serpens plant, makes the most stunning decoration in any home or garden. With it's magnificent blue hues, rich green color, and chalky appearance, this succulent is definitely worth growing.
Knowing how to care for succulents is something you'll need to catch up on before bringing Blue Chalksticks into your home. And, if you plan on growing them on your own, you'll need to know how to plant succulents as well.
Don't worry, we'll cover all you need to know on growing and caring for Senecio Serpens right here in this post.
What is a senecio serpens?
Senecio Serpens, also known as Curio Repens, can be described as finger-like, fleshy leaves. Similar to Aloe Vera and other succulents of its kind.
The leaves are thick with a blue-green, silvery tint, and they only grow to be around 20 centimeters in height. This makes them perfect for tiny succulent plant pots that you can put around your home as cute decorations.
They are called Blue Chalksticks for their almost chalky color which lightly covers the blue-green hues. This chalky covering looks almost silver when seen from afar.
The chalkiness is also sometimes described as a dusting on the plant, and, because of the upright way the plant grows, can also be referred to as 'dead man's fingers'. Although, it's important to note that they don't look anything like a dead man's fingers.
Why is Knowing How To Grow And Care For Senecio serpens Important?
Just like any plant, knowing how to grow and care for Senecio Serpens can allow you to have a beautiful, healthy plant that makes your garden, yard, or home stand out.
If you love succulents, then Blue Chalksticks is what you need to add some new color to your array of house plants. The color alone will make any room pop. These succulents can't go unnoticed.
Another thing to keep in mind when taking care of Blue Chalksticks is that it isn't difficult, and with a little effort, you'll have yourself a unique addition to your succulent display.
How To Grow Blue chalksticks (senecio serpens)
Senecio Serpens don't need much maintenance and typically grow between spring time and autumn. The weather is usually warm around this time, which is great for the plant.
Unlike other plants, Blue Chalksticks don't need much watering, and get most of their energy from the sunlight. If you'd like to know more information on how to grow these plants, continue on below.
1. Identify which type of succulent
One of the first things you need to know are which types of succulents you're working with. There are outdoor succulents, as well as indoor succulents.
You can consider Blue Chalksticks as both. They can be kept indoors for a short while, but they will need to go back outdoors once temperatures warm up.
They need about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day so, if kept indoors, make sure to keep them close to a window where the sun is shinning the brightest.
It's ideal to keep them indoors over the winter if you live in a cooler area. The lowest temperature they may be able to handle is 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Know How To Water
Another important thing is knowing how to water succulents. The amazing thing about Senecio Serpens is that they thrive in dry areas. They like warm, sunny climates with soil that isn't too wet.
This succulent is native to South Africa where the weather is very hot and dry. It's important to know that Blue Chalksticks don't require much water. They are able to survive very dry conditions.
Water new plants once a week, but once they've grown to adult size, water them only once every three or four weeks. You'll know when to water them again once the water has completely dried out from the soil.
3. Know How To Propagate senecio serpens
Knowing how to propagate succulents is the best way to get the most out of your plants. Senecio Serpens are very easy to propagate because they grow in clumps of small plants.
All you need to do to propagate Blue Chalksticks is to remove them from their pot and pull apart the clumps. Be careful when doing this, and try to pull them apart as gently as possible.
Also, try not to damage the roots in the process. Place each clump in its own pot of soil and you've got a new Senecio Serpens plant.
Another way to do this is by cutting the leaf or stem of the plant. Make sure to cut the entire leaf off the plant, as it may not grow if you've only cut half or part of it. Cover them in rooting powder and allow them to completely dry out.
Once they've dried, place them in their own pot of soil. Make sure the soil is wet and drained of any excess water.
Water them frequently at first, once a week, to keep the soil moist until the roots have started growing. After that, water them once every three to four weeks, and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
More Awesome Succulents
Succulents are the perfect way to decorate your home, and what's best about them is that they don't need much care and can survive indoor and outdoor climates. Jazz up your home with these other beautiful succulents that will impress anyone who sees them.
- Sedum Morganianum is also known as donkey tail, or burros tail for it's ability to grow long and downwards, resembling a tail.
- Everyone who loves succulents needs brightly colored Christmas Cactus to liven up their home. Check out the beautiful pink flowers that sprout off this cactus!
- Aloe Aristata is a prickly plant that can be propagated and grown to resemble a beautiful rose.
In Conclusion
Some of the most exquisite plants come in small sizes. That's why succulents are so sought after; Senecio Serpens being a popular one.
If you know how to plant succulents, you'll be able to have an array of all the unique and tiny plants out there. And, Blue Chalksticks are the perfect ones to start out with.
You'll be amazed by their eccentric color, and simple maintenance. Knowing how to care for succulents like this one is a breeze, and you'll be super pleased with your new plant. Good luck!