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Basic Info
Senecio vitalis is also generally known as ‘Blue Chalk Fingers’ is one of those succulents that are perfectly suitable for your garden even if you are not used to succulents. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 61 cm (24″) tall and about 1.5 m (5ft) in diameter. The plants main feature are the green leaves with blue tips around it.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Genus: Senecio
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
When watering the Senecio vitalis (or Blue Chalk Fingers) be careful it is a plant that is sensitive to over-watering. It is a plant that needs to be thoroughly drenched in water and dried before watering again. The plant should be water mostly between Spring to Fall, let the plant dry thoroughly before watering again.
General Care for Senecio vitalis ‘Blue Chalk Fingers’
What kind of a plant carer should select the Senecio vitalis ‘Blue Chalk Fingers’? It is perfect for a beginner plant grower. The plant does best when cared for indoor in a proper light home. If planted outdoors, it creates small clusters all around it, especially if planted in a rock garden.
Quick Facts:
- Should be planted in full sun.
- Should be grown outdoors
- Needs a similar amount of water as other succulents
- Can die easily if overwatered
- Becomes 61 cm (2ft) tall
- Becomes 1.5 m (5ft) wide
- Best Zone 10a Minimum -1.1° C (30° F)
- Does not handle cold well
- Best propagated by cutting stems
- Handle with care can be harmful to animals and people
Where to Plant
Blue Chalk Fingers is a plant that grows easiest in free-draining gritty compost. The plant does not handle cold well, so if you live an area that is colder than -1,1°C ( 30° F ) use a succulent container. It makes it easier to transport the plant indoor and outdoor.
Senecio vitalis is a plant that requires up to 6 hours of sun when planted inside keep it on a window ledge. That means a south-facing window for most of us.
How to Propagate Senecio vitalis ‘Blue Chalk Fingers’
Learning how to propagate Adromischus Maculatus’ Calico Hearts’, begin by selecting a sturdy, healthy leaf. Then remove the stem from the main plant, cut the stem off with a sharp knife. Calico Hearts is one of the species that easily drop its leaves; it can, however, be challenging to grow a large specimen.
Once the leaf is off the Adromischus Maculatus, let it sit for a few days before placing in nutritious and well-drained soil. The soil should be drenched thoroughly, never let the soil dry. Once the plant’s root has started to appear, let the plant take its time to grow.
Origin and Habitat
The Senecio vitalis is known to be local to the Eastern Cape of South Africa from along the coast from Alexandria to East London.
