blue pencil succulent Shop 'Blue Chalk Sticks - Senecio mandraliscae' Care and Info
SKU: 98654492614
blue pencil succulent

blue pencil succulent Shop 'Blue Chalk Sticks - Senecio mandraliscae' Care and Info

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Description

blue pencil succulent Shop 'Blue Chalk Sticks - Senecio mandraliscae' Care and InfoIf 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 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

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 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 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.

These plants use their tendrils to latch onto structures and support their growth, creating a stunning vertical display. It can grow up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, forming a dense mat of blue-gray leaves.

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. 

But there's more to this blue chalk stick 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.

When and How to Water Your Blue Chalk Sticks 

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.  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.  

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, your blue chalk sticks plants typically need to be watered every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the fall and winter, during the dormant season, reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant requires less moisture when not actively growing. 

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.   

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Blue Chalk Stick Plants 

If grown indoors as a houseplant, 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.

For outdoor cultivation, Senecio mandraliscae thrives in conditions with full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the plant should receive at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant blue-green color and promote healthy growth.

During periods of intense heat, especially in summer, partial shade can be beneficial to prevent stress and discoloration. Excessive sun exposure during the hottest part of the day may cause the leaves to bleach or scorch, which can weaken the plant over time.

Providing adequate light is one of the most important aspects of caring for Senecio mandraliscae, ensuring it maintains its iconic chalky blue hue and compact, sprawling habit.

When grown in optimal lighting, these succulents are highly resilient, requiring minimal maintenance which makes them ideal for drought-tolerant landscapes or rock gardens. 

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 

When growing indoors as a houseplant, they perform best in a range of 65–80°F with bright, indirect light. They are highly tolerant of low humidity, making them a perfect fit for most indoor environments. Avoid placing them in overly humid areas, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal issues or root rot. Proper ventilation and well-draining soil are crucial to maintaining healthy growth indoors.

For outdoor cultivation, Senecio mandraliscae is best suited for USDA zones 9–11, where temperatures remain mild year-round. In these regions, the plant can be grown as a perennial and withstands the occasional temperature dip as long as it stays above 30°F.

If temperatures drop below this threshold, consider covering the plant or bringing it indoors. 

Blue Chalk Sticks are heat-loving plants but can be sensitive to prolonged humidity. In areas with high humidity, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering, as these conditions can increase the risk of rot. They flourish in dry to moderately humid conditions, making them ideal for Mediterranean or arid landscapes. 

Wildlife - Blue Chalk Sticks Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators

Blue Chalk Stick succulent is a popular choice for gardens due to its vibrant blue-green foliage and low maintenance requirements. This succulent plant attracts a variety of friendly pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer months. By incorporating Blue Chalk Sticks into your landscape, you can create a welcoming environment for these beneficial insects and birds while adding a pop of color to your outdoor space.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to the ASPCA, blue chalk sticks are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested in large amounts. They are safe to handle if touched, but it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly after use to prevent any potential irritation or allergic reactions.

How to Propagate Your Senecio mandraliscae

To propagate your Senecio mandraliscae, you can easily do so through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from a healthy, mature plant and allow it to callus over for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a bright, indirect light location to encourage root growth. Additionally, you can also propagate your blue chalk sticks through division by carefully separating the offsets or pups from the main plant and replanting them in their own pots. This method can help you create new plants quickly and easily.

Key Takeaways

  1. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, especially for filling in spaces between larger plants or along pathways.
  2. With its striking blue-gray foliage and drought tolerance, Blue Chalk Sticks is a favorite choice for rock gardens, coastal landscapes, and xeriscaping designs.
  3. As a succulent, it thrives in dry conditions and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for arid and water-wise gardens.
  4. The plant's mat-forming growth helps stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion while adding visual appeal.
  5. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round color and texture, even in regions with mild winters, making it a versatile and low-maintenance addition to landscapes.

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! 

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Mason Thompson
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 2
Cute? Yes! Durable? Not so much…
Size: Large (Pack of 1), Color: Green Gecko, Size: Large (Pack of 1), Color: Green Gecko
Upon opening this toy I was hopeful that it would last my dog (medium size beagle mix) quite a while. While he enjoyed it, he was able to start ripping it up less than 24 hours after getting it. Now 10 days later, he’s completely destroyed it. He was able to rip open all layers of material, pull them apart, and tear all the squeakers out. While the squeakers are large, they could be a choking hazard for a large dog. Based on the advertised “durability” of this toy and how little time it lasted my dog, I would not purchase it again.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2026
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Verified Purchase
T. Timms
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
German Shepard destroy
Size: Medium (Pack of 1), Color: Orange Gecko, Size: Medium (Pack of 1), Color: Orange Gecko
We've been playing with this lizard for a month now and the fabric has been ripped off within first few days but my dog hasn't got to the squeakers yet.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2026
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Verified Purchase
AmazonBob407
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
This worm, pretty sure it’s a worm and not a snake, can take a lot of abuse.
Size: X-Large (Pack of 1), Color: Blue Snake, Size: X-Large (Pack of 1), Color: Blue Snake
Snake, worm, whatever, my dog doesn’t care, she loves it all the same. My little friend can be kinda rough with her toys. This is no exception. The pictures are from roughly one month of giving it to her and include playing with it at least every other day or so. The top is holding up well, but the bottom has taken some damage, and two of the squeakers have long since been destroyed. Despite this, my dog still loves playing with it. We normally play tug of war together, but on her own she chews at it to get to the squeakers inside, which she promptly destroys, which I’m totally fine with, as quiet toys are much preferred, by me, not her. I believe there are 4 in the XL size that we got. We’ve had a few of these in the past. We tend to get about 6 months out of them. After she “lovingly” removes the squeakers, she doesn’t chew on it much, and we just use it for tug of war, but at that point she’s done enough damage to the underside that its time is limited. But, as it’s pretty low priced, for the time and enjoyment we do get out of it, it’s very much worth it. I do need to clarify, the durability is actually quite good, I don’t fault the product as at all, it’s just my dog is equally as good with destruction, but it should be noted this toy does last much longer than most of her victims. The color, (we got the blue and green) is also very vivid and nice, as is the texture. We’ll be purchasing again.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024
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Verified Purchase
Katie Lee
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Awesome toy!
Size: X-Large (Pack of 1), Color: Blue Snake
My pitbull Stella loves these! Ive bought her two of the smaller snake toys in the past and she Absolutly loves them! The first one lasted about 6 months which is a lifetime compared to how long her other toys last lol and the second one lasted about the same. This time I decided to get the XL version. It has 6 squeakers instead of 3 like the smaller versions. I picked the teal and purple colors and it's like 43 inches long I think. Its the same length as her and shes a large size dog. She loves this thing! Its so cute watching her squeak each of the squeakers with her nose. While this is a great toy it is not chew proof. In fact its quite easy for an experienced chewer to get into this toy. It is relatively strong but it wont stand a chance with a power chewer. Like I said this is the third one of these I have bought in roughly a year. They do last longer then more soft toys I will give them that. This is the only soft toy she has not destroyed in 5 mins. But after a week or so at least one squeaker will be missing. For the average dog one of these snake toys will last a really long time and they are fun to play with. We play tug of war and fetch with it. Stella also loves when I squeak the toy she will squeak it back and we'll go back and forth for hours lol. One last thing it is loud! If noisy toys bug you, don't get this. The sqeakers are industrial strength lol
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Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2021
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Verified Purchase
Cameron
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Durable toy but definitely NOT invincible
Size: Medium (Pack of 1), Color: Orange Gecko
BACKGROUND I have two labradors and, with my friends dogs over, we have a combined combination of five labradors at a time. If you have seen the film "Marley & Me" then you will understand our dogs. They tear through concrete, dry wall, and, well, just about anything they can get their paws and mouths on. It is very important to have plenty of toys for them to keep pre-occupied as most of the destruction is caused by dogs that are bored. Unfortunately, many items are not able to withstand this combined destructive force. I spotted these "Invincible" line of toys and thought they were worth a try. I ended up ordering basically one of every style and size. APPEARANCE The toys come in different sizes, colors, and shapes. The most common are the Gecko and the Snake. The toys are covered with a more durable cloth that is fuzzy and suppose to withstand quite a bit of chewing. Inside the toys are what are described as durable squeakers that, if punctured, will still squeak even after hours of being bitten and chewed upon. The larger the toy ordered, the more squeakers that are sewn into the toy. RELIABILITY I have to admit these toys did last about ten times as long as any other toy I have given my dogs. Unfortunately, nothing is indestructible. My dogs managed to find kinks in the lining of the toys that, once penetrated, will cause the toys to open leaving stuffing and squeak toys all over the place. The squeakers did withstand quite a bit of chewing before the squeaking went silent. I noticed that the snake toy did last quite a bit longer than the gecko or the little dragon characters. The snake had separate compartments for the squeakers and so, if one was torn out, the others survived. On the Gecko once its middle section was torn open the squeakers were lost. CUSTOMER SUPPORT Not utilized PROS: ++ Lasted about 10X times the length of time as other "invincible" toys CONS: ++ They are not truly "invincible" and will be destroyed over time CONCLUSION The invincible line of toys did last a lot longer than most toys that I have purchased for my labradors. I would recommend the snake over the gecko or other styles. I have had to toss the geckos as they were shredded but the snakes are still with me to this day six months later. Also note, even though "Invincible" is in the title, these toys are definitely not although you will save an incredible amount purchasing these toys once and having a gradual destruction process versus having to buy new toys continuously over the same period of time that these lasted.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2012

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