Senecio Vitalis - Teak And Terracotta

Welcome to our guide to the Senecio Vitalis, all you need to know to care and propagate this plant, including soil, water, light and humidity.

Senecio Vitalis Care Summary

Light needs:	Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check soil weekly, only water if the soil is dry all the way down.
Fertilizer:	A dedicated cactus and succulent feed every 2 or 3 weeks in the summer months.
Soil:	A succulent soil mix.
Humidity:	40%
Temperature:	16-26°C (61-79°F)
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Other names:	Blue chalk fingers, mermaids tail.
Common issues:	Overwatering

Introduction

The Senecio Vitalis aka ‘blue chalk fingers’ aka ‘mermaids tail’ is a beautiful succulent known for it crests of thin finger like leaves that can look like a mermaids tail.

Senecio Vitalis Light Needs

Bright indirect sunlight is best ,they are succulents and love bright light.

How Often To Water

Check the soil weekly with your finger, but only water if the soil is dry all the way down.

Fertilizer

You don’t need to feed them but t may grow quicker if you do, you can use a dedicated cactus and succulent feed every 2 or 3 weeks in the summer months.

Senecio Vitalis Soil

A well draining mix is ideal, I would recommend a dedicated cactus and succulent mix, you can make your own or buy one, we cover all in our guide: Succulent Soil.

When to Repot

They won’t need repotting each year by any means, but check them yearly and if the roots are getting crowded you can pot it up a size.

Humidity

40% is ok, they don’t need any special humidity requirements.

Temperature

Aim for 16-26°C (61-79°F) in the day, an a minimum of 0°C (32°F) at night.

How to Propagate Senecio Vitalis

You can propagate your mermaid tail by taking stem cuttings, let them callous over, then root them in moist (but not soaking) soil, which should take a couple of months.

Is Senecio Vitalis Toxic To Cats?

It is tox to cat if ingested, so seek verts advice if your pet eats any.

Other Names

Blue chalk fingers, mermaids tail.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

FAQs and Common Problems

The main issues are overwatering, especially when the temperatures drop in winter and the plant needs less water but we keep watering them! Always check the soil is dry first.