Curio crassulifolius (Blue Fingers) Sukulent

Scientific Name

Curio crassulifolius (DC.) P.V.Heath

Common Names

Blue Fingers

Synonyms

Kleinia crassulifolia, Senecio crassulifolius

Scientific Classification

Family:  Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus:  Curio

Origin

This species is native to South Africa.

Description

Curio crassulifolius, formerly known as Senecio crassulifolius, is a succulent plant with erect or sprawling, branched stems and fleshy, cylindrical, upwards-pointing leaves. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Leaves are grey-green to blue-green and covered with a waxy coating. They are up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter, and arranged in dense clusters around the tips of the stems. One or few white or sometimes yellow flower heads appear on slender stalks from late winter to early summer.

The specific epithet “crassulifolius” means “crassula-leaved” and refers to the fleshy leaves resembling those of Crassula.

Photo by Felix Riegel

How to Grow and Care for Curio crassulifolius

Light:  Keep Curio plants in partial shade if outdoors, which is their preference in summer, and bright sunlight if indoors. They will grow in full shade but will become lank and leggy.

Soil:  These plants prefer well-draining soil. For growing Curio indoors, it is essential to use a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.

Hardiness: Curio crassulifolius can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.

Watering:  Curio plants are drought tolerant, but the soil should never be left dry for too long. They do need some water during the growing season but be careful not to leave the soil wet for prolonged periods.

Fertilizing:  The members of this genus can take a bit more fertilizer than other succulents if you want them to grow fast.

Repotting:  You do not need to repot Curio plants often. You can do it when you see that the container becomes too small or shallow.

Propagation:  These plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Curio.

Toxicity of Curio crassulifolius

Curio plants are toxic. Grow them with great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.

Links

• Back to genus Curio
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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