Scientific Name
Curio herreanus 'Variegatus'
Accepted Scientific Name
Curio herreanus (Dinter) P.V.Heath
Common Name(s)
String of Beads, String of Pearls, String of Raindrops, String of Tears, String of Watermelons
Synonym(s)
Curio herreanus f. variegatus, Senecio herreanus f. variegatus, Senecio herreanus 'Variegatus', Senecio herreianus f. variegatus, Senecio herreianus 'Variegatus'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The formal epithet "variegatus (var-ee-GAY-tus)" means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks."
Origin
Curio herreanus 'Variegatus' is a form of Curio herreanus selected for its variegated foliage.
Description
Curio herreanus 'Variegatus', formerly known as Senecio herreanus 'Variegatus' or Senecio herreianus 'Variegatus', is an attractive succulent with trailing stems and green, egg-shaped leaves with irregular, creamy-white and yellow markings. The stems are narrow, root at the nodes, and can grow over 12 inches (30 cm) long. The leaves often take slight pink hues.
The flowers are small, brush-like, white to nearly white, and appear from spring to fall on long stalks.
How to Grow and Care for Curio herreanus 'Variegatus'
Light: Keep your C. herreanus 'Variegatus' 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: As with most succulents, this plant prefers a well-draining soil mix. For growing C. herreanus 'Variegatus' indoors, it is essential to use a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Hardiness: C. herreanus 'Variegatus' 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. herreanus 'Variegatus' 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: You do not need to repot this plant often. You can do it when you see that the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds need warm temperatures or using seed warmer and constant moisture to germinate. Take cuttings during the spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Curio.
Toxicity of Curio herreanus 'Variegatus'
C. herreanus 'Variegatus' 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
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