Scientific name: Senecio serpens
Common name: Blue Chalksticks
This plant is perfect for container gardens. If you live in an area that doesn’t experience freezing temperatures, this is a great ground cover. The tips of this plant turn purple when exposed to a lot of sun.
Quick Look at Senecio serpens
- Plant in full sun
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Grows up to 36″ tall (30 cm to 91 cm) tall, and can spread out to 36″ wide (61 cm to 91 cm)
- Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagate from seeds or cuttings
- Can be toxic to pets and humans
- Summer Dormant
General Care for Senecio serpens “Blue Chalksticks”
Blue Chalksticks are great for container gardens or as a ground cover. There will be small white flowers in the summer months.
They should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. They are deer and rabbit resistant.
Fertilizing
If you are growing chalksticks indoors, make sure they are getting plenty of sunlight. Too little can cause the plant to stretch.
Helpful Information
Senecio serpens is a great plant to consider when creating a fire resistant landscape.
How to Propagate Senecio serpens “Blue Chalksticks”
Blue Chalksticks can be grown from seeds.
Cuttings
Chalksticks can be grown with a sterile knife or pair of scissors. Remove a leaf from the main plant and allow it to callous for a few days before placing it on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out.
Seeds
If you are growing Senecio serpens from seed, make sure you use a grow light and seed warmer. Water the seeds whenever the soil is dry. Germination can take a long time depending on your environment.
