Curio

( KYOOR - ee - oh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous and evergreen flowering plants contains hardy prostrate or upright succulents. These plants prefer growing in poor, dry, or rocky soils and require full sun to perform well. They are drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering, requiring well-draining, dry conditions to thrive. Use these succulents in containers or hanging baskets, as accents in beds and borders, or as small-space (and low-traffic) groundcovers. Take care when planting these succulents in the landscape or indoors, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

curio Species and Varietals

The genus Curio includes 21 species, and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. All plants in this genus were previously members of the genus Senecio. Species grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Curio acaulis (Kleinia acaulis, Senecio Acaulis) (Cluster Fingers)
This species of succulent is native to Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. These plants are similar in appearance to Curio repens, but their leaves are darker greenish-blue and elongated, and flowers are bright yellow. Individual plants are small, succulent shrubs that reach up to between 6 and 12 inches tall at maturity. They form either compact tufts of foliage or somewhat sprawling plants.

Curio archeri (Senecio toxotis, Senecio archeri, Senecio 'Himalaya') (Toxic Beads, Archer's Senecio)
This species is native to the south-western Cape area in South Africa, and is a small, low-growing succulent. These plants grow from rhizome, producing short stems with green succulent leaves. Individual plants reach up to 10 inches tall when mature and produce small white-yellow brush-like flower heads.

Curio articulatus (Hot Dog Cactus, Pickle Plant, Candle Plant, Sausage Plant)
This succulent species is deciduous, and is native to South Africa. Leaves are olive green above and purple underneath. Stems are segmented and green. These plants are considered subshrubs, reaching between 8 and 16 inches tall at maturity (though they will grow taller if protected and given a good amount of water). Flowers are insignificant and a little foul-smelling. Cultivar 'Candlelight' has more vivid foliage and stem markings than the species. Subspecies Curio articulatus globosus, or Globose Form, has more rounded segments than the straight species.

Curio avasimontanus
This interesting species of succulent is native to South Africa, eastern Africa, and Saudi Arabia, and produces long, narrow purple-green stems with soft spines on their sides. Flowers are orange. Plants reach up to about 6 inches tall when mature. Stems are more vivid purple in this species when grown in full sun. Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curio citriformis (Senecio citriformis) (String of Tears, String of Lemons, Tear-Drop Senecio)
This succulent plant has a trailing habit and naturally grows on rocky outcrops in clay-heavy soils. Leaves are small, green and lemon-shaped, and roots are soft and shallow. Flowers are white and have a scent reminiscent of Cinnamon. These plants do well in bright, indirect sunlight indoors or partial shade outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10a - 11b. Keep temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curio corymbifer (Senecio corymbifer, Senecio sarcoides)
This species of Curio is native to South Africa, and reaches about 6.5 feet tall at the most when mature. Stems are thick, erect, and flattened somewhat. Leaves are assembled around branch tips, and are bluish-green. These plants prefer rocky, sandy soils and full to partial sun exposure, growing well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11.

Curio crassulifolius (Senecio crassulifolius, Kleinia crassulifolia) (Blue Fingers, Blouvingertjies, Blue Chalk Sticks)
This succulent species is native to South Africa and produces short, rounded blue-green leaves. The foliage sometimes takes on reddish or purple tones. Flowers are cream-white, sometimes yellow in color. Plants are low-growing and mat-forming or sprawling, reaching up to between 5 and 12 inches tall at maturity.

Curio ficoides (Senecio ficoides) (Skyscraper Senecio, Mount Everest Senecio, Big Blue Chalksticks, Flat-Leaved Senecio, Silver Senecio)
This species of succulent plant is found in South Africa, and is a spreading shrub that reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Leaves are flattened, blue-green to blue-grey, and have translucent lines. White to cream-colored flowers are rayless.

Curio hallianus (Senecio hallianus) (Chain of Blue Beans, String of Beans)
This species is a trailing succulent that forms a mat of fleshy blue-green foliage. Leaves are produced on only one side of stems. Between 1 and 3 white to cream colored flower heads are produced at the end of stems up to 4 inches long. String of Beans is commonly grown indoors as a hanging houseplant, where its trailing stems dangle nicely from pots.

Curio herreanus (Senecio herreanus) (String of Tears, String of Watermelons, String of Beads, Gooseberry Plant, String of Raindrops)
This species is native to Namibia, and is a very popular houseplant around the world. It is very similar in appearance to Curio rowleyanus, or String of Pearls, but has larger and longer leaves that have deep purple tones in bright light. Individual plants are trailing with stems that can reach up to between 2 and 3 feet long. The main body of the plant can reach 4-8 inches tall.

Curio muirii (Senecio muirii) (Cliff Curio, Kransharpuis)
This small shrub grows naturally in shale cliff formations, and is native to South Africa. Leaves are hairless and light grey-green. They have distinct notches, are ovate and flattened. Plants can reach up to 16 inches tall and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10a-11b. They can tolerate temperatures down to approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curio x peregrinus (Senecio 'Hippogriff) (Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins, String of Dolphins, Dolphin Plant)
This hybrid is a trailing succulent that is a cross between species Curio rowleyanus and Curio articulatus. Leaves are curly and develop two small points, resembling a dolphin. Flowers are white and bloom in May and June. These plants prefer mild or warm temperatures, and should be kept indoors when temperatures drop below 40 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curio radicans (Senecio radicans) (String of Bananas, Fishook Senecio, String of Fishhooks, Necklace Plant, Creeping Berry)
This species is native to South Africa, and is grown for the shape of its foliage. Growth is matted and trailing, and leaves are banana-shaped and green. These plants are great in containers or hanging baskets, where their foliage can dangle. Flowers are white to cream, and smell like cinnamon, blooming in late winter and springtime.

Curio repens (Senecio serpens) (Blue Chalksticks, Blue Chalk Fingers, Blue Iceplant, Snake Ragwort, Blue Toes, Mini Blue Chalkstick)
This species of succulent plants is native to South Africa and produces a semi-trailing dwarf shrub useful in Mediterranean landscapes. Flowers are off-white and bloom between spring and fall. These plants are used as groundcovers, border plants, and in rock gardens. They are drought-tolerant. The hybrid Curio 'Trident Blue' is a cross between Curio repens and Curio talinoides. 'Mini' or 'Mini Blue' is a compact, lower-growing cultivar ideal for growing in pots or as a groundcover.

Curio rowleyanus (String of Pearls, String of Beads, String of Peas, String of Marbles, Rosary Vine, Rosary Pearls, Necklace Plant, Irish Beads)
This unique species of succulent is popularly grown for its interesting, ball-shaped foliage. It forms a trailing plant with green succulent leaves, making it great for container plantings and hanging baskets. 'Variegata', also called Variegated String of Pearls, is a popular cultivar with white, cream, or sometimes pink markings on foliage. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-12.

Curio sulcicalyx (Senecio sulcicalyx) (Ridged Beads, Grooved-Leaved Curio, Grooved Curio)
Native to South Africa, this species reaches just 4 inches tall at maturity, and has tuberous roots. Leaves are dark green and have short white hairs. Flowers are white to yellow or mauve in color, and bloom in springtime.

Curio talinoides (Senecio mandraliscae) (Blue Straws, Blue Chalksticks, Dassieharpuis, Narrow-Leaf Chalk Sticks, Blue Fingers, Blue Ice Plant)
This species is native to South Africa, and is the bluest of all Curio species. These plants reach between 20 and 28 inches tall and produce thick succulent leaves that are narrow at both ends. Subspecies Senecio talinoides var. mandraliscae (pictured) is known for its silver-blue, upward-curving leaves.

Caring for Curio

Plant Curio succulents in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). These plants naturally grow in rocky, sandy soils, and their soil within the garden should mimic these surroundings. Apply a layer of rock mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are very drought tolerant, and are very sensitive to being overwatered. As a general rule of thumb, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and make sure that these plants are never sitting in soggy substrate.

Curio plants grow in naturally lean soils, and do not need to be fertilized. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If Curio plants are grown in containers or cramped spaces in the landscape, they will need to be divided from time to time to avoid becoming overcrowded or root-bound. For instructions on how to divide Curio plants, see the Propagation section below. Curio succulents are considered perennials, and will typically last between 3 and 5 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced. With proper care, these plants can thrive for a decade or more.

Caring for Curio in Containers
Choose a container that is at least 8 inches tall and deep for most Curio species. Larger species, such as Curio corymbifer and Curio ficoides, need containers that are at least 16 inches tall and deep when they are mature. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill the container with a well-draining soil mix amended with plenty of sand and perlite. Mulch the top of the substrate with rock after planting. Place the container a spot in the garden that receives full sun; ideally, they should be getting around 6 hours of sun each day for best growth rate and blooms. Water somewhat regularly as the plant gets established in its new home. At maturity, Curio plants are very drought tolerant and sensitive to overwatering; ensure that the substrate dries out completely between waterings. Curio plants that have been in containers for a few years may become crowded or root-bound; check for roots attempting to grow through the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. For instructions on how to divide Curio plants, see the Propagation section below.

Caring for Curio Indoors
Choose a container that is at least 8 inches tall and deep for most Curio species. Larger species, such as Curio corymbifer and Curio ficoides, need containers that are at least 16 inches tall and deep when they are mature. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill the container with a well-draining soil mix amended with plenty of sand and perlite. Potting mixes made for succulents or cacti are typically sufficient. Mulch the top of the substrate with rock after planting. Place the container in a space indoors inside of a south-facing window. These plants need bright light to thrive. If light indoors is inadequate, consider using a grow lamp to supplement natural sunlight. Overall, these plants should get around 6 hours of light each day. If they are grown in too little light, plants will become leggy, weak, and lose their vibrant color. Keep the container situated away from cool, drafty areas. These plants prefer temperatures to stay in the range of 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not respond well to drastic, quick changes in temperature. urio plants that have been in containers for a few years may become crowded or root-bound; check for roots attempting to grow through the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. For instructions on how to divide Curio plants, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Curio succulents are best propagated through cuttings or by dividing existing plants. To propagate your Curio, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Curio by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Between the months of January and March, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a branch and strip the leaves off the lower two inches. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Propagating Curio by Division
From time to time, your Curio succulent will need to be divided (on average, every three to five years). To propagate your Curio via division, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw or hori hori knife (optional), extra pots if you are not going to plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your Curio by division, follow the instructions below:

In early springtime, identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your plant out of the ground, shake to remove excess dirt. Then, lay it out on its side.
Identify sections of the plant that are healthy and can be divided as well as areas that have died back and can be trimmed off. Divide the plant into sections, each with healthy, sizeable above-ground growth.
Replant divisions in well-draining substrate either in the ground or in containers, and resume regular care.