Scientific Name
Curio ficoides (L.) P.V.Heath
Common Name(s)
Big Blue Chalk Sticks, Flat-leaved Senecio, Silver Senecio
Synonym(s)
Cacalia dulcis, Cacalia ficoides, Kleinia ficoides, Senecio ficoides
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Description
Curio ficoides, formerly known as Senecio ficoides, is a succulent shrub with fleshy, brittle branches that arch upwards and snake along the ground. It reaches a height of 3.3 feet (1 m) and spreads to 10 feet (3 m) in diameter. Branches are up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long and up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter. Basal stems are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and have leaf scars. Leaves and stems are bluish to grey-green and covered with a powdery bloom. The thick fleshy leaves are erect, tapering, laterally compressed, with longitudinal, somewhat translucent stripes, and up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Flower heads are white, have no ray florets, and appear at the ends of the branches, usually from fall to winter.
Etymology
The specific epithet "ficoides" derives from the Latin noun "ficus," meaning "fig," and the Latin suffix "-oides," meaning "having the appearance of." It refers to the species resemblance to the family Aizoaceae, formerly known as Ficoidaceae.
How to Grow and Care for Curio ficoides
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 ficoides can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a 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 you see that 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 ficoides
Curio plants are toxic. Grow them with great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.
Cultivars of Curio ficoides
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
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