Scientific Name
Curio articulatus (L.) P.V.Heath
Common Name(s)
Candle Plant, Hot Dog Cactus, Sausage Plant
Synonym(s)
Baculellum articulatum, Cacalia articularis, Cacalia articulata, Kleinia articulata, Senecio articulatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The specific epithet "articulatus (ar-tik-oo-LAH-tus)" means "articulated, jointed" and refers to the stem segments united by joints.
Origin
Curio articulatus is native to South Africa.
Description
Curio articulatus, also known as Baculellum articulatum or Senecio articulatus, is an intriguing succulent with segmented, sausage-shaped stems. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and spreads slowly by underground stems. The stem segments are thick and fleshy, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. They are grey-green with darker green or purple markings just below the petioles. The leaves are green, flushed purple when exposed to intense light, usually divided into leaflets, and can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long. The plant loses its leaves and goes dormant in summer.
The white flowers usually appear in winter in small corymbs about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Curio articulatus
Light: Keep Curio plants in partial shade if outdoors, which is their preference in summer, and bright sunlight if indoors. They will grow in full shade but will become lank and leggy.
Soil: These plants prefer well-draining soil. For growing Curio indoors, using a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom is essential.
Hardiness: Curio articulatus can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: Curio plants are drought tolerant, but the soil should never be left dry for too long. They need some water during the growing season, but be careful not to leave the soil wet for prolonged periods.
Fertilizing: The members of this genus can take a bit more fertilizer than other succulents if you want them to grow fast.
Repotting: You do not need to repot Curio plants often. You can do it when the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: These plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Curio.
Toxicity of Curio articulatus
Curio plants are toxic. Grow them with great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.
Forms and Hybrids of Curio articulatus
Links
- Back to genus Curio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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