Scientific Name
Curio crassulifolius (DC.) P.V.Heath
Common Name(s)
Blue Fingers
Synonym(s)
Kleinia crassulifolia, Senecio crassulifolius
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The specific epithet "crassulifolius (krass-yoo-lih-FOH-lee-us)" means "having leaves like Crassula" and refers to the fleshy leaves resembling those of plants in the genus Crassula.
Origin
Curio crassulifolius is native to South Africa.
Description
Curio crassulifolius, formerly known as Senecio crassulifolius, is a branching succulent with erect or sprawling stems and cylindrical leaves arranged in dense clusters around the tip of the stem. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are thick, fleshy, grey-green to blue-green with a waxy coating, measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
One or few white or sometimes yellow flower heads appear on slender stalks from late winter to early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Curio crassulifolius
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, it is essential to use a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Hardiness: Curio crassulifolius can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a 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 crassulifolius
Curio plants are toxic. Grow them 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
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