If you're looking for a popular trailing plant that creates great groundcover, then look no further than Blue Chalk Sticks or Blue Chalk Fingers, also known as Senecio mandraliscae, a stunning variety of Curio talinoides var. mandraliscae! This unique spreading blue chalkstick, hailing from South Africa, produces pencil-like, blue-green fleshy leaves that form a dense mat and is of great ornamental appeal as one of the most popular and trendy groundcovers.

Native to South Africa, these low-growing blue chalk sticks with thick, 4-inch-long silvery-green leaves give the succulent plant the appearance of a mass of fingers or chalk sticks reaching up to the sky. 

The blue chalk sticks Senecio mandraliscae can grow 18 inches tall unless they climb something like a trellis or a wall. These climbing plants use their tendrils to latch onto structures and support their growth, creating a stunning vertical display. It can reach 24 inches in width and form a dense mat of blue-gray leaves.

The blechalk stick is a great groundcover and adds a nice color accent to make other plants stand out in a garden or landscape. Additionally, the blue chalk stick's low-growing and spreading nature helps suppress weed growth, making it an excellent choice for areas that require minimal maintenance.

You will notice that the leaves tend to curl upward, making it look like it's stretching out for some sunshine. It's like a little garden masterpiece! 

When it comes to flowering, the blue chalk sticks produce daisy-like flowers. In the mid-summer and early autumn, this plant produces small white flowers on top of the foliage. 

Propagation of the blue chalk sticks can be done through stem cuttings. If you don't want to propagate it, you can just let it grow, and the clump will grow in size over time.

Senecio mandraliscae blue chalk sticks and Senecio serpens blue chalk fingers are two distinct varieties of Senecio plants and are often confused with each other easily due to their similar appearance. Senecio mandraliscae blue chalk sticks have thicker, cylindrical leaves that grow upright, creating dense clumps, while Senecio serpens blue chalk fingers have thinner, finger-like leaves that sprawl and trail along the ground.

Additionally, Senecio mandraliscae blue chalk sticks are mildly toxic for both pets and humans if consumed. Therefore, it's essential to keep them out of the reach of children and pets to avoid any potential harm.

But there's more to this blue chalkstick than its good looks; it's also drought-tolerant and incredibly easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking to add a splash of color to a large planter or border area of their garden. It creates a cool blue-green carpet that contrasts with green plants, giving your garden an eye-catching appeal.

Watering Needs 

When it comes to watering your blue chalk stick succulent, be mindful of the frequency and the amount of water you give. Make sure to allow the topsoil to dry between each watering session and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. This is especially the case with blue chalk sticks Senecio mandraliscae, as they don't do well in moist soil, which can result in root rot.  

Watch out for signs of dehydration, such as a pale discoloration and shriveled stem, indicating that your blue chalk stick is consuming its interior water supply.  

Besides hydrating correctly, it's also crucial to ensure that the potting soil drains quickly to avoid damaging succulent roots. As drought-tolerant plants, these chalk sticks Senecio mandraliscae can thrive with less frequent watering, and if you forget to water them for a month or more, they will probably survive just fine.  

Light Requirements 

Providing enough light for these desert succulents is one of the most important aspects of their care. It is important to grow Senecio mandraliscae blue chalk sticks outdoors in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of bright, direct light every day to keep them happy. To avoid discoloration, provide partial shade during periods of intense heat. 

If indoors, place your chalk stick plant directly in front of a west- or south-facing window. If they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten, so make your succulent happy and give it plenty of light.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The blue chalk sticks Senecio mandraliscae favor very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your blue chalk stick succulent plants thrive.

When it comes to fertilizers, balanced (5-10-5) NPK fertilizers also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage blue chalk stick health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your succulent some love with some awesome organic fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

Typically grown in hot, arid desert regions, Senecio mandraliscae blue chalk sticks succulent thrive indoors in warm, dry surroundings. These chalk sticks are hardy in USDA regions 9 to 11, which means they can withstand temperatures as low as 15°F.  You can also grow these succulents outdoors year-round, but they are not cold- or frost-tolerant.

So, you should plant them indoors or put them in a pot and move them indoors during the winter if you live outside of these regions. Keep your blue chalk stick away from freezing temperatures or severe cold, drafty windows, and air vents if you are growing it indoors in a cold climate. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio mandraliscae) are known for their striking blue-gray foliage and their ability to create a stunning ground cover or container plant. Blue Chalk Sticks thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them a great choice for gardens or landscapes with hot and dry conditions. They require minimal water once established and are drought-tolerant, making them low-maintenance plants. With their vibrant blue color and trailing habit, blue chalk sticks add a touch of beauty and interest to any garden or succulent collection. 

We think you will love this Senecio plant. Order your very own Senecio mandraliscae today and start enjoying its beauty in no time!