Scientific Name
Curio acaulis (L. fil.) P. V. Heath
Synonym(s)
Cacalia acaulis, Kleinia acaulis, Kleinia ecklonis, Senecio acaulis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The specific epithet "acaulis (a-KAW-liss)" means "stemless; having no stem or stalk" and refers to the growth habit of this species.
Origin
Curio acaulis is native to South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
Description
Curio acaulis, formerly known as Senecio acaulis, is a small succulent shrub with erect grey-green leaves with longitudinal lines. The leaves are cylindrical, elongated, slightly curved inwards, and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
The solitary heads of tiny yellow flowers can reach up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter and appear in spring on erect stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Curio acaulis
Light: Keep your C. acaulis in partial shade if outdoors and bright sunlight if indoors. Avoid intense afternoon sun in summer. It will grow in full shade but will become lank and leggy.
Soil: Like most succulents, this plant prefers a well-draining soil mix. For growing C. acaulis indoors, a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom is essential.
Hardiness: C. acaulis can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b. The plant will not survive consistent temperatures below freezing.
Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This plant is drought tolerant, but the soil should never be left dry for too long. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months. Water only if the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing: C. acaulis can take a bit more fertilizer than other succulents if you want it to grow fast. Feed your plant once a year with a dilute solution of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in summer.
Repotting: This plant does not need to be repotted often. It can be repotted when the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds need warm temperatures to germinate, or you can use a seed warmer and constant moisture. Take cuttings during the spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Curio.
Toxicity of Curio acaulis
C. acaulis is a toxic plant. Grow it with great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.
Links
- Back to genus Curio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
