Mystery succulent help please

by Carole
(UK)

I bought this without a label and the stall holder had no idea what it is. Can you help me name it so I can give it what it needs to survive please?
Fleshy leaves are about 2" long and it is sending up a little sucker by the edge of the pot

Hi Carole - lucky you - I've been wanting one of these for a while now; it's Senecio serpens, sometimes also called Kleinia repens, which is its old name. It also goes by the common name of Blue Chalk Sticks, which when you look at the plant, is a pretty obvious description.

Easy to care for and grow given the right conditions, this plant will eventually reach about 30cm across and high, but is easily pruned to keep smaller and more compact.

Bright light, either outside on a warm patio or in a south facing window is essential - a grow light in lieu of a window if you don't have southern exposure and during the winter will stop it from stretching.

Well drained soil, either a cactus mix bought at most garden centers or you can mix up your own with potting soil half and half with small gravel, perlite or pumice whichever you can find, and very light on the fertilizer will keep this little guy happy.

I keep my related Senecio mandraliscae almost completely dry in the winter as it can go dormant if it doesn't receive any water, and recovers almost instantly when spring arrives.

Happy Succulent Growing!
Jacki

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