Curio

Many Curio succulents come from dry or seasonally dry parts of southern Africa. Their stems spread across exposed ground and store moisture in swollen leaves, which may be rounded, pointed or curved.

Some species are still sold under their former Senecio names. String of pearls, for example, may appear as Senecio rowleyanus or Curio rowleyanus, referring to the same familiar trailing plant.

Curio succulents

Curio rowleyanus forms the familiar string of pearls, with nearly spherical leaves along slender stems. Curio radicans ‘Blue Pickle’ has curved leaves, and Curio herreanus ‘Purple Flush’ carries pointed, sometimes purple-tinged foliage. Their stems gradually trail farther beyond the pot.

A raised planter gives the strands room to hang without rubbing against a shelf. These succulents need very bright daylight; several grow well with some direct sun after gradual acclimatisation. The fleshy leaves store water, so allow the growing medium to dry well before watering again.

Healthy stem sections can be rooted to make a fuller planter. Commonly cultivated trailing Curio can be harmful if chewed, and sap may irritate the skin. Keep the strands beyond the reach of children and pets.