Scientific Name
Curio 'Trident Blue'
Synonym(s)
Kleinia 'Trident Blue', Senecio 'Trident Blue'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Description
Curio 'Trident Blue', formerly known as Senecio 'Trident Blue' or Kleinia 'Trident Blue', is a low-growing succulent with interesting, powdery blue-green leaves. It can reach a height of 1 foot (30 cm) and spread to 3.3 feet (1 m). The leaves are thick, fleshy, and elongated, with a lance-like shape tip similar to the mythical Greek God Poseidon's trident, hence the name.
The pale yellow flowers are held in corymbs and appear just above the foliage in spring.
Origin
Curio 'Trident Blue' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Curio repens and Curio talinoides.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Established plants are extremely drought tolerant. They need some water during the summer but do not leave the soil wet for prolonged periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in the winter when they are somewhat dormant. Since they are growing in sandy soil, nutrients must be replenished. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can get floppy. You can prune them back to where the stem is firm in early spring. You can even root the cuttings.
Plants can be divided or repotted in early spring. If you are growing them in containers, they enjoy spending the summer outdoors. Wait until there is no danger of frost and move them back indoors in the fall.
Senecio can be grown from either seed or cuttings. Seeds prefer warm temperatures (55˚F / 13˚C). And constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, early spring to fall. Root in sandy soil, in containers.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
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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