Curio
( KYOOR - ee - oh )
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, but were recently removed and placed in their own genus. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Curio articulatus (Hot Dog Cactus, Pickle Plant, Candle Plant) This succulent species is deciduous, and is native to South Africa. Leaves are olive green above and purple underneath. 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. These plants are rare and unusual, and cultivar 'Candlelight' is a great choice. |
Curio citriformis (Senecio citriformis) (String of Tears) This succulent plant has a trailing habit and naturally grows on rocky outcrops and in clayey soils. Leaves are small and lemon-shaped, and roots are soft and shallow. Flowers are white, trumpet-shaped, and smell of cinnamon. Does well in bright indirect sunlight indoors or partial shade outdoors. |
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. |
Curio ficoides (Senecio ficoides) (Skyscraper Senecio, Mount Everest Senecio, Big Blue Chalkstick) This species of succulent plant is found in South Africa, and is a spreading shrub that reaches about 3 feet tall. Leaves are flattened, blue-green to blue-grey, and have translucent lines. Flowers are rayless. |
Curio 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 x peregrinus (Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins, String of Dolphins, Dolphin Plant, Senecio Hippogriff) This hybrid species is a trailing succulent which is a cross between species Curio rowleyanus and Curio articulatus. Leaves are curly and develop two small points, and flowers are white and bloom in May and June. |
Curio radicans (String of Bananas, Fishook Senecio) 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 (Blue Chalksticks, Blue Chalk Fingers, Blue Iceplant) This species of succulent plants is native to South Africa and produces a semi-trailing dwarf shrub useful in Mediterranean landscaping as an ornamental plant. 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. |
Curio talinoides (Senecio mandraliscae) (Blue Straws, Blue Chalksticks, Dassieharpuis, Narrow-Leaf Chalk Sticks) 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. |
Caring for Microsorum
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Colocasia plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:
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Gallery
Videos
Learn about these interesting houseplants.
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An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page
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