Curio articulatus
candle plant
A species of clump-forming succulent perennial up to 40cm tall with blue-grey to blue-purple, sausage-like striped stems with a waxy coating. During the winter, these sprout small tufts of green leaves which continue to grow in segments and flush purple depending on light levels. Curios rarely flower but if they do, flowers appear in autumn to winter after a period of dormancy. They are ray-less, white and inconspicuous with an unpleasant smell
Other common names
hot-dog cactussausage crassula
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Grey Silver Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Grey Silver Purple | |||
| Autumn | Blue Grey Silver Purple | White | ||
| Winter | Blue Grey Silver Purple | White | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Curio are flowering evergreen succulents native to South Africa's Cape Province mountains, with long, striated leaves and disc-shaped flower heads with no ray florets
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a mix of 2 parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and 1 part each of leaf mould and grit, in full light with good ventilation. When in growth water moderately and apply a half-strength balanced liquid feed monthly. See cactus and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or by removing and rooting stem sections
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to stem rots if overwatered
Get involved
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