Senecio vitalis 'Serpents' - Blue Chalk Fingers

Highlights

Blue Chalk Fingers (now Curio talinoides ssp. cylindricus) (Rowley): Slender, light blue-green leaves grow upright from tall stems. This plant is chandelier-like in form and adds interesting levels to plantings. Blue Chalk Fingers is such a strong grower and propagates so easily that it verges on invasive when grown outdoors in Mediterranean climates, though it can be kept small when grown potted on a sunny window sill.

Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need great drainage and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.

Full Senecio Guide

Product Size

2.0" Pot

Current Primary Color

Blue / Blue-green

Bloom Color

White Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun

Maximum Height

Over 12"

Growth Habit / Shape

Vertical Grower / Tall Stem

Seasonality

Year-round Color

Special Characteristic

Easy to Propagate

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+

10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

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Popular Questions

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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.
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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.
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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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4 years ago

What kind of soil should I use with succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

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