Senecio serpens
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Senecio serpens

Blue chalksticks · Heath groundsel · Woodland groundsel · Wood groundsel

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–12
Click count
220
Observations
544

Description

Source: leafsnap

Senecio serpens, commonly known as blue chalksticks, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. This low-growing perennial forms dense mats of blue-green cylindrical leaves that resemble chalk sticks. The leaves can grow up to 3 inches long and 0.25 inches wide and have a powdery coating that helps them retain moisture. In the summer, Senecio serpens produces small yellow flowers on tall stems that rise above the foliage. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil with low moisture levels. Blue chalksticks are popular in rock gardens, succulent gardens, and as ground cover in dry areas of the landscape. They are easy to care for and require minimal watering once they are established. However, it is important to note that Senecio serpens contains toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid consuming the plant and to keep pets or livestock away from it. Consult an expert veterinarian or botanist for guidance on the safe handling of plants containing toxic compounds like pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

🎭 Durability, agelessness, riches, affluence, grows in clusters

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Allow the soil to totally dry before watering thoroughly. Once established, you should give your plants a thorough watering around once a month. During the first growing season, you may need to water your Blue Chalksticks once a week. Watering container plants on a regular basis may be necessary.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

The Blue chalksticks plant flourishes when exposed to substantial sunlight and can endure moderate sun levels, too. It characteristically develops well in its indigenous settings under generous sunlight, which is a key factor for its balanced growth. Conversely, insufficient sunlight may hinder its growth. Overexposure to the sun, however, could trigger stress and affect its health negatively.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Blue chalksticks thrive in temperatures between 68 and 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). They are originally from regions that have warm climates, like South Africa. To accommodate for the shifts in the seasons, offer plenty of light and lessen the frequency of watering when the weather is cooler.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity dry (<40%)

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

Humidity: dry (<40%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For Blue chalksticks, administering minimal amounts of fertilizer 1-2 times annually during the growth period is adequate. Refrain from fertilizing during winter and summer when it's in a dormant state. Lessen the fertilizer quantity for rehoused plants and hold off on fertilization for a few months post-repotting. Fertilizing aids in robust growth and promotes flowering.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years

Choose a pot a bit larger than the previous one that possesses efficient drainage when repotting Blue chalksticks. It would be best to use a crumbly succulent or cactus mix with excellent drainage. Safely uproot the plant from its current pot, dust away extra soil, and reposition it at an equal depth. Allow a couple of days to pass before watering, providing time for the roots to recuperate from any potential damage. Opt to repot during the spring or fall, and then place it somewhere that has a lot of light.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning

This slow-growing succulent requires little to no care and attention. Pinch the plants back if they get lanky or extremely tall to shape them and encourage them to spread out in a bushier growth style.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

All Senecio plants are toxic. Ingestion can cause fatal liver disease in animals when eaten in large quantities over a long period of time. Wear gloves when working with the plants; the sap can cause severe irritation. Be careful when planting Senecio species if you have children, pets, or livestock.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent, Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Senecio
Family
Compositae
Hardiness Zone
9-12
Mature Height
20 cm
Mature Spread
61 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Blue, Silver, Green, Bronze
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Mid summer
Planting Time
Winter, Spring
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer
Native Area
South Africa

Tags (13)

Common Names (4)

en Blue chalksticks
en Heath groundsel
en Woodland groundsel
en Wood groundsel