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Basic Info
Curio Ficoides is best known as the ‘Big Blue Chalk Sticks’. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 60 cm (24″) tall. The plants main feature are the blue green leaves to pale green fleshy leaves. When the plant matures you can expect it to produces green flowers.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Curio Ficoides ‘Big Blue Chalk Sticks’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Blue Chalk Sticks healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Curio Ficoides ‘Big Blue Chalk Sticks’
This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy green flowers. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 60 cm (24″) tall
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 9a-11b -6.7°C (20°F)
- Best propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds
- Flowers are green
Where to Plant
Curio Ficoides ‘Big Blue Chalk Sticks’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9a-11b which is around -6.7°C (20°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Big Blue Chalk Sticks in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
When selecting what pot to use be sure that you understand the difference between the material used (See our guide on how to pick the best plant pot).
How to Propagate Curio Ficoides ‘Big Blue Chalk Sticks’
Blue Chalk Sticks can be propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store. You can learn all about How To Repot Succulents in our guide.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
Origin and Habitat
Curio Ficoides ‘Big Blue Chalk Sticks’ is native to South Africa.
