How to Care for a Senecio Mandraliscae

Senecio mandraliscae, commonly called blue finger plant, is a succulent with 6-inch-long, fleshy-blue stems. The plant grows 12 to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide with a sprawling growth pattern. This South African native can tolerate temperatures as low as 6 F but it prefers a milder climate. Plant Senecio mandraliscae in a rock garden or as a ground cover in a spot that gets part shade or part sun. Good drainage is critical for successfully growing succulents.

Peat moss
Vermiculite
Sand
Compost
Garden fork
Trowel
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Select a planting spot in an area that drains well such as a rocky slope or elevated area. Avoid low-lying garden beds that tend to remain damp. Plant Senecio mandraliscae in an area that gets between two and six hours of sun a day.
- 2
  Amend the soil in the planting area. Mix together equal parts peat moss, pine bark, vermiculite, sand and compost. Spread the mixture 3 to 4 inches thick over the planting area and work it into the top 6 to 8 inches of the garden soil with a garden fork.
- 3
  Dig holes in the amended soil slightly larger than the nursery pots. Slide the Senecio mandraliscae out of the pot gently, so as not to damage the delicate stems. Place the plants upright in the holes and refill the soil around the roots.
- 4
  Soak each plant until the soil is evenly damp at least as deep as the root ball. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dries out during the growing season between spring and fall.
- 5
  Fertilize once in spring and again in early summer with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. Alternately, you can add water-soluble fertilizer when watering.

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