Senecio serpens, often referred to as Chalk Sticks or Blue Chalk Sticks, is a visually striking succulent admired for its finger-like, silvery-blue leaves that create a dense and often sprawling mat. This popular plant adds a unique textural and color element to succulent gardens, containers, and ground covers, offering a soft, almost ethereal appearance.
 
Key Features of Senecio serpens (Chalk Sticks)
Cylindrical, Finger-like Leaves: The most distinctive feature is its elongated, cylindrical leaves that are typically about the diameter of a finger.
Silvery-Blue Coloration: The leaves are covered in a powdery white coating (farina) that gives them a beautiful silvery-blue to pale blue color.
Dense, Sprawling Growth: It typically forms a dense, spreading mat as the stems grow and root along the ground.
Upright Flower Stalks: Mature plants can send up tall stalks bearing clusters of small, white, daisy-like flowers.
Soft Texture (Due to Farina): The powdery coating gives the leaves a soft, almost velvety feel, though it's best to avoid excessive touching.
Relatively Low-Growing: Usually remains low to the ground, making it an excellent ground cover or spiller plant.
 
Care for Your Senecio serpens (Chalk Sticks)
Light: Thrives in full sun to maintain its vibrant blue color and compact growth. Insufficient light can lead to greening of the leaves and leggy growth.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers warm, dry conditions and is generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing temperatures.
Humidity: Adapts well to low to average humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant (Chalk Sticks)
Handling with Care: Avoid excessive touching of the leaves, as the farina can be easily rubbed off, diminishing the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the stems.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger with drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly.
Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer).
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection (Chalk Sticks)
Stem Cuttings: The easiest and most common method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a day or two, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower and less reliable. Gently detach healthy, plump leaves, allow the cut end to callus, and place them on top of well-draining soil. New plantlets may eventually emerge.
Division: Mature, sprawling plants can be carefully divided at the root level and repotted into separate containers.
 
Senecio serpens, or Chalk Sticks, is a striking and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that provides unique silvery-blue foliage and a spreading growth habit. Its distinctive appearance makes it a wonderful addition to various succulent displays, adding a soft yet architectural element.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.