The senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks) is a succulent that is endemic to South Africa.
It grows in winter rainfall area from the western to eastern parts of the Western Cape. Senecio-talinoides is a very drought tolerant plant and is able to withstand occasional frost.
Senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks) has finger like leaves growing from thin woody branches.
In cultivation it grows in full sun, but in habitat it will grow in light shade. This plant will grow well even under low light conditions.
Senecio-talinoides does best when potted in sandy soil mix with good drainage. Repotting should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Senecio-talinoides do not need to be watered often, as they can store water in their leaves and stems, making them drought tolerant plants.
The ideal time to propagate senecio talinoides cuttings is after spring flowering, although it can be propagated at any time during the year while the weather is warm.
Light for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
The perfect lighting for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks) is low to medium light. This plant does not like direct sunlight at all. If placed in direct sunlight it will burn up and die quickly.
If you want to use this plant as a houseplant, the best place to put it is in a south facing window. There are several reasons that this type of light is best for your plant. The first reason is because of the amount of light that you get from this type of window. The other reason is because of the temperature range of this type of window as well.
If your room or house is too hot or cold, then you can adjust your windows to help regulate the temperature in your home. It is also important to remember that if there are no windows in your home then you need to place your plants near the door so they can get some fresh air when someone opens it up!
Soil for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
Soil for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
Senecio talinoides is a succulent plant that grows in very poor soil. It is an extremely slow grower and difficult to establish. The best way to propagate it is by cuttings, which can be taken during the growing season (August to October). Take cuttings from new growth tips, which are green and succulent. Make sure that the cuttings are not too old, as they will not root easily. Also, make sure that there are no damaged leaves or stems on your cutting. Remove all leaves from the bottom half of your cutting and dip it into hormone powder before sticking it into soil mixture.
Cutting should be placed in small pots filled with equal parts of sand, perlite and peat moss or sphagnum moss. Water them well with distilled water so that the potting mixture becomes saturated but not dripping wet. Keep them in bright light at room temperature until roots appear on top of the potting mixture (1 month). If you see roots forming at this point, place your pot
Water for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
Watering:
Water regularly throughout the growing season from March until October but avoid overwatering which can cause root rot problems for this plant. Water less during the winter months when growth stops completely and leave dry between waterings until new growth resumes again in springtime. In winter, water sparingly only when soil feels dry around
Temperature and humidity for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
Temperature:
Grow this plant at a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) for best growth. Ideal temperature range is 15-20°C (59-68°F). The plant may survive at higher temperatures but will become more susceptible to insect attack and fungal diseases. If grown outdoors in summer, keep this plant in partial shade or semi-shade as it will scorch easily if given full sun exposure outdoors in hot weather. Keep above freezing point, otherwise foliage may scorch and die off over winter months.
Fertilizing for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
You should fertilize your plants every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20). Do not overdo it with fertilizer though! Use just enough fertilizer to keep your plant healthy without making it grow very fast
Potting and repotting
Potting and repotting for senecio-talinoides (green-chalk-sticks)
Potting and repotting is the most important thing to do in order to keep your succulent healthy. The soil should be porous enough for the roots to breathe and absorb moisture, but not too porous or loose. The best way to achieve this is by using a good quality cactus mix, which you can buy from any good garden centre or online.
Pot size: Small pots are fine for this plant as long as they have drainage holes in the bottom. As general rule of thumb, use pot sizes that are 2/3 bigger than the actual root ball of your plant.
Potting method: When potting up your succulent, try not to damage any roots if possible. It's best to use a dibble or another similar tool, which you can get at any good gardening centre or online. Make sure you don't leave any exposed roots when you're done because they are very susceptible to rotting if they're exposed to air!
Watering frequency: Watering frequency depends on many factors such as weather conditions etc
The following instructions are based on a plant that is in a 5-inch pot. If your plant is potted in a larger or smaller container, adjust accordingly.
Step 1: Water the plant thoroughly to completely saturate the soil. Wait until the excess water has drained out of the bottom of the pot before proceeding to step 2.
Step 2: Remove the plant from its current container and examine it closely. The root system should be tightly packed together in a ball and firm to the touch. If it is loose or mushy, or if there are any dead roots, then it's time for repotting!
Step 3: Fill your new container with fresh potting mix up to about an inch from the top rim and spread this gently over any bare soil in the bottom of your new container so that there is no exposed soil left at all (this will help prevent fungus).
Step 4: Place your plant into its new container with its root ball facing down (so that all those roots are resting directly on top of their new bed). Gently press down on the roots so that they are inside the new soil. Ensure roots are not exposed and covered. Water sparingly and ensure you follow the process as mentioned above for watering.
That's about it and let is breathe easy..
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With a little bit of care, you can grow some beautiful plants in your home.