Scientific Name
Curio talinoides var. aizoides (DC.) P.V.Heath
Common Name(s)
Common Bluestraw
Synonym(s)
Kleinia aizoidea, Kleinia aizoides, Senecio aizoides, Senecio talinoides subsp. aizoides
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The varietal epithet "aizoides (ay-ZO-id-eez)" means "resembling Aizoon" and refers to the likeness of this variety to the members of the genus Aizoon.
Origin
Curio talinoides var. aizoides is native to South Africa (south of Albertina in the Western Cape).
Description
Curio talinoides var. aizoides, formerly known as Senecio talinoides subsp. aizoides, is a small, shrubby succulent with very short stems and narrow, fleshy leaves crowded at the tip of the stems. The leaves are upright, slightly upcurved, and pointed. They can measure up to 3.5 inches (8.8 cm) long and 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are white, held in clusters of 2 to 8 flower heads, and appear at the ends of the stems in spring. The flower heads can reach 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in length and nearly equal in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Curio talinoides var. aizoides
Light: Keep your C. talinoides var. aizoides 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. talinoides var. aizoides indoors, using a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom is essential.
Hardiness: C. talinoides var. aizoides 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. talinoides var. aizoides can take 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 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 talinoides var. aizoides
C. talinoides var. aizoides 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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