Senecio – Serpents – Blue Chalk Fingers – Senecio vitalis
Adapatable as House Plant
Drought Tolerant
Heat Tolerant
Foliage Interest
Maintenance Notes
Succulents are long term plants where temperatures remain warm. Garden height is the final height the plant will reach after several years, not the height the plant will reach in one season. Succulents are generally slow growing plants and will take time to mature.
Uses Notes
Use in mixed cactus containers, beds, or as a houseplant
Maintenance Category Easy
Water Category Average
Bloom Time
Flower Form Container, Landscape
pH A - pH 5.5 - 5.8
EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9
Fertilization 50 - 100
Light Requirements Medium
Water Requirements Moderate to Moist
Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Growing On Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Holding Temperature 55 - 65° Fahrenheit
Planting and Timing Information
Start in spring for late-spring to summer finish. Sunbelt states can grow year round. PPP: 1 liner per 2" pot, 3 liners per gallon.
Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 6-7
6" and Gallon Pot :
7-9" Pot :
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot :
Pinching and Growth Regulators
Most varieties branch on their own. Pinch if plants start to stretch before branching. Prune larger plants when they start to stretch.
Pest and Disease Management
Watch for aphids and spider mites in summer. Snails and slugs can be a problem. Overwatering and cold, damp conditions cause root rot. Succulents are very sensitive to pesticide burn. Always conduct a small-scale test application first. Leaf spots and bruising may occur after handling; plants will outgrow symptoms.
Grower Tips
At planting do not water cuttings until they start to develop roots.
Start in small pots and repot if desired. Small clay pots are popular with consumers. Zone 10-11. Once established, most succulents are frost tolerant to 25F w/o damage, or 18F with slight damage. Pick off blackened leaves if frost damage occurs. The fleshier the plant, the less frost tolerant it is. Upright grower. Rots easily if too wet. Insignificant flowers may be pinched off if desired.
