Senecio Serpens

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

Last Updated on June 10, 2022 by Sofia Lara