Senecio Mandraliscae

Family:	Asteraceae/ Daisy
Genus:	Senecio
Scientific Name:	Senecio mandraliscae
Other Names:	Senecio talinoides s. mandraliscae, Kleinia madraliscae Blue Chalk Sticks, Blue Finger, Blue Sticks Succulent
Growth Season:	Spring to early autumn
Preferred Temperature:	It does best in temperatures between 18 and 29oC (65-84oF) in day time and 13-18oC (55-66oF). Also, it is moderately frost hardy and it can withstand temperatures as low as -6oC but not lower.
Hardiness Zone:	USDA Zone 9-11
Average Mature Height & Width:	It rises to one to two feet in height and two to three feet wide.
Dormancy:	It dorms in winter when the cold causes growth hormones to stop working.
Toxicity:	Every part of this plant is toxic to humans and pets when ingested.

Senecio Mandraliscae Physical Characteristics

This is a short, shrubby plant with a unique hue on its foliage. It is one of the bluest plants in this genus. Its leaves are cylindrical, vertical, and blue-green with more blue than green. This succulent has a trailing stem that is cylindrical.

The stem roots at the nodes whenever the nodes come into contact with the ground. The stem produces branches, and leaves grow from the branches at the tips of the stem.

Senecio Mandraliscae produces inflorescence, which rises slightly above the leaves. From this inflorescence grows white, non-showy flowers. The fact that it is a spreading plant, decumbent stems that root at the nodes and rooting at the nodes makes it an ideal cover plant.

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Senecio Mandraliscae Care

The plant is drought tolerant, which means it requires to be watered sparingly. Too much water in the soil means waterlogging, which can, in turn, cause root rot. You should water it only during its growing seasons and ensure water from a previous drink is exhausted before watering next.

The substrate on which you grow this plant significantly determines whether your watering endeavor will succeed. It should be pervious, due to its high gravel content. The pot where you grow this succulent should have drainage holes to release excess water. It is advisable to feed this plant regularly during its growing season; at least once per month, with water-soluble fertilizers that contain medium hydrogen levels. Such feeding invigorates the plant.

DO YOU KNOW? Caring (propagating, pruning/trimming, beheading, watering, …) is a set of skills that is widely applicable to succulents. Read the in-depth guide here >>

Richard Miller – Succulent City

Senecio Mandraliscae Growth

This plant is ideal for growth in succulent gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and container plants. You propagate it cuttings or division. The division produces established plants faster than cuttings. You might want to prune some branches to allow air circulation. Easier air circulation makes the plant healthier by keeping pests and diseases at bay.  

You can use the stems you get from thinning for propagation, so it is advisable to prune it at the beginning of the growing season. Such timing allows the mother to heal and the daughter to get established. Follow the usual steps for propagating succulents using cuttings during the process. If you grow this plant in a pot, it will probably be from a hanging basket. Repotting is necessary every time it doubles in size.

It is vulnerable to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. They aren’t a major threat, but you must watch out to avoid infestation.

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