‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans is a gorgeous trailing succulent with small blimp-like leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long on green stems that seem to turn purple with stress. The leaves are blue/green, have a thin layer of farina and are slightly curved, giving the plant a unique appearance. In the spring, it produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom on the ends of the stems. I found it for the first time at a local garden center when I was just looking, I swear!
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Origin/Native Habitat
Honestly, I have no idea. ‘String of Blimps’ could be a hybrid, but there really isn’t a whole lot of information about it online. My best guess of its parentage would be Senecio radicans ‘String of Bananas’ x Senecio radicans glauca ‘String of Fish Hooks’. Succulents in the Senecio family are native to South Africa, where they grows in rocky areas and cliffs.
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How to Water and Fertilize
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes when caring for succulents like ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans. This succulent prefers well-draining soil and can quickly develop root rot if left sitting in water for too long. Therefore, it’s essential to check the soil moisture level before watering. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil is dry at this depth, it’s time to water the plant.
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During the growing season, which typically runs from spring to fall, ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can help promote healthy growth and blooming. However, it’s important to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent overfertilization. Overfertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant’s roots. Fertilize the succulent once a month during the growing season and avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter months.
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Soil
When it comes to the soil for ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans, it’s important to provide a well-draining mix that allows excess water to flow freely through the soil. This succulent thrives in a soil mix that is made up of 50% succulent or cactus mix and 50% soil amendments like Turface, pumice, perlite, and coarse sand. These amendments improve the soil’s drainage and aeration, allowing the roots to breathe and preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged.
In addition to the soil mix, choosing the right pot is also important for the health of your plant. Terracotta pots are recommended for ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out more quickly than plastic pots. This prevents overwatering and helps maintain the proper soil moisture level for the plant. Make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure that excess water can escape and avoid sitting in the bottom of the pot.
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How to Propagate
Propagating ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans is a straightforward process that can be done by stem cuttings as with other trailing Senecio succulents. First, select a healthy stem with several leaves and cut it with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Allow the cuttings to dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callus, which helps prevent rotting when planted in soil.
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Once the cuttings have formed a callus, they are ready to be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and gently insert the cuttings into the hole, making sure the callused end is below the soil surface. The way I propagate mine is by coiling them on top of the soil and securing them with greening pins or paperclips that I’ve broken in half. They will grow roots wherever the stem is touching the soil. I like to have at least two points touching the soil to make sure the root system is super strong because I hang mine outside.
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To ensure successful propagation, it’s important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Water the cuttings sparingly and avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to rotting. Place the pot in a bright but indirect light location, and avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the cuttings.
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Light Requirements
‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun, but too much can cause sunburn on the leaves. If the plant is not receiving
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Hardiness Zone and Temperature
‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans is hardy in USDA zones 8b-11. Protect the succulent from frost as it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
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Common Pests, Problems and Solutions
‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans is generally a pest-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any signs of pests, isolate the plant and treat it with neem oil or a horticultural oil. If the plant is overwatered, it may develop root rot, which can kill it. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and the plant is not sitting in water.
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In addition to pests, ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans can also experience a few other common problems. One issue that may arise is stem rot, which can be caused by overwatering or by damaged stems that have been left to sit in moist soil. To prevent this, it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that any damaged or diseased stems are removed promptly.
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Another problem that may occur is yellowing leaves, which can be a sign of underwatering or overfertilization. If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water the plant. If the leaves are turning yellow and the soil is wet, it may be due to overfertilization, and it’s best to stop fertilizing the plant for a while.
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Finally, ‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans may become leggy and lose its characteristic shape if it’s not getting enough light. If this happens, move the plant to a brighter location, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
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Is it poisonous or toxic?
‘String of Blimps’ Senecio radicans is considered toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. It is important to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
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‘String of Blimps’ seems to be a brand new hybrid/cultivar in the succulent world, so I’m excited to experiment with mine to learn about its nuances and get down to the details of proper care.
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