Scientific Name
Curio talinoides 'Serpents'
Synonym(s)
Senecio talinoides 'Serpents', Senecio talinoides subsp. cylindricus 'Serpents', Senecio vitalis 'Serpents'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The cultivar epithet "serpents" refers to the slender, pointed leaves which look like snakes.
Origin
The origin of this cultivar of Curio talinoides is unknown.
Description
Curio talinoides 'Serpents', also known as Senecio talinoides 'Serpents' or Senecio vitalis 'Serpents', is a succulent shrub with slender, light blue-green leaves that grow on sparingly branched erect to procumbent stems. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) wide. The leaves of this cultivar are thinner and longer than the leaves of the typical Curio talinoides.
The white flowers appear in clusters at the end of the stems in spring.
How to Grow and Care for Curio talinoides 'Serpents'
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 talinoides 'Serpents' 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 talinoides 'Serpents'
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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
