Senecio serpens - Mini Blue Chalksticks

Highlights

Mini Blue Chalksticks (now Curio repens) (Heath): A tidier, more compact version of the larger Blue Chalksticks. Its finger-like leaves are a deeper blue and grow to 1.0"-2.0" long. They have a powdery coating of protective farina that thickens in bright sun, so the plant can take on a more silvery hue in summer

Mini Chalkstalks makes a wonderfully low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover in frost-free climates, but it can also overwinter indoors near a sunny window or under a grow light. With time and plenty of sun, it can even cascade from containers. It produces a classic Asteraceae flower: a white pompom made up of tiny, fragrant blossoms.

In addition to sunlight and protection from frost, C. serpens needs great drainage to thrive. Use a gritty cactus / succulent soil and try to select containers with drainage holes. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry.

Full Senecio Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Blue / Blue-green

All Seasonal Colors

Silver

Bloom Color

White Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun

Maximum Height

3"-5"

Growth Habit / Shape

Low Growing / Creeping, Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Seasonality

Blooms in Summer

Special Characteristic

Easy to Propagate, Showy Blooms

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

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Popular Questions

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3 years ago

Is this poisonous to animals? This and other senicios? See answer

I have a cat and dog See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes. This plant is poisonous to pets and people.

As a general rule, we don't call any Senecio plants "pet safe" even though there probably are some non-toxic ones. We definitely play it safe when it comes to pet safety. See full answer »

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3 years ago

What size String of Pearls plant is this? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

This String of Pearls comes fully rooted in a 2" pot and resembles the stem lengths in the product photo. We also grow a larger String of Pearls in a 3.5" pot, linked below.
On any product, if you scroll down to the Product Details, you'll see a field on the right called Product Size that will list the pot size for that plant.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/sene... See full answer »

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3 years ago

Are any of these Senecio plants safe for pets? See answer

I’m trying to find a trailing succulent for my home, and wondered if this plant is pet safe? I have dogs and cats. See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Some research shows that Senecio rowleyanus can cause digestive issues if consumed, so to be on the safe side, we do not consider any Senecio pet-safe. But we carry tons of Pet Safe Succulents here. You can also use the Growth Habit filter on the left to filter for just Hanging/Trailing plants.
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3 years ago

CAN YOU PLANT STRING OF BANANA AND STRING OF PEARLS TOGETHER See answer

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6 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes you can! Strings of Things Succulents have the same sun, water, and drainage needs, so they're very compatible together in a pot. They work well planted in a hanging pot with succulent potting soil, hanging in a sunny window. Water deeply enough for water to run out the pot's drainage hole, but only water after the soil is completely dry and the leaves are starting to look a little deflated. See full answer »

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3 years ago

How do you propagate String of pearls? See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) can be propagated and re-rooted from stem cuttings without much difficulty. Stem cuttings should be placed on well-draining soil in a sunny spot and kept watered but not soggy. You can watch a quick video guide on Propagating Senecio String of Pearls here.
Source: https://youtu.be/bx8voyWV_3w?t=605 See full answer »

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2 years ago

is it safe to mist string of pearls with 70% isopropyl alcohol? See answer

Why is it necessary to mist succulents with isopropol alcohol? See more »

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2 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes, 70% isopropyl alcohol is useful for killing insect pests that attack succulents, especially soft bodied insect pests like mealybugs, aphids, and thrips.

It is safe to mist succulents with 70% isopropyl alcohol, but, be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight for an hour after misting. The alcohol increases the risk of sunburn until it evaporates. Applying it in the evening is also a great strategy. See full answer »

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9 months ago

How big a pot size do you recommend for a "string of pearls" plant? See answer

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7 months ago  •  Staff Answer

For one of these 2" String of Pearls plants, we recommend starting with a pot that's about 3.5"-5" in diameter and depth. Additionally, be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole. See full answer »

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1 year ago

Do you need to repot the String of Pearls when it is received? See answer

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7 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes, it is a good practice for plant hygiene to re-pot any plant you buy into a fresh pot and soil. We recommend transplanting them within about a month of receiving your new succulents. Pick a container with a drainage hole and use a gritty, well-draining succulent soil. Hang your String of Pearls in a sunny window and only water after the soil is completely dry and the leaves look a little deflated. For more information, check out the Video Guide to Transplanting Succulents.
Source: https://youtu.be/GM63i2bFs80 See full answer »

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2 years ago

Can you grow String of Pearls indoors, and do they require much sunlight? See answer

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7 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Yes, Senecio rowleyanus String of Pearls can grow very well indoors. Depending on the sun exposure of your windows, try hanging it in a south- or east-facing window. If you're lacking sunlight and the plants looks pale or stretched, you can also supplement with a Succulent Grow Light.
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8 months ago

What’s the ideal soil mix to repot a string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)? See answer

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8 months ago  •  Staff Answer

Senecio String of Pearls thrives in a well-draining soil, but it prefers a little more organic matter than many other succulents because it has such thin stems. Try a 1:2 ratio of perlite or pumice to a standard bagged succulent and cactus soil mix (available at garden centers). See full answer »

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