Senecio talinoides var . mandraliscae , also cognize as mandraliscae or profane chalksticks , is a fascinating succulent that can bring a unequalled touch to your garden or landscape painting . This flora is characterized by its distinctive gentle - white-haired leaf that resemble pencils , giving it a truly eye - catch appearance . The leave-taking have a waxy white coating , which adds to their good luck charm and gives them a slightly frosted look .

One of the most striking features of mandraliscae is its growth habit . When untried , the stems of this succulent are erect , but as it matures , they become procumbent , mean they pop to get horizontally along the ground . This growth habit allow the works to form dumb mats , make up it a great choice for ground book binding or as a trailing plant in container or hanging baskets .

Another interesting aspect of mandraliscae is its ability to settle at the node along its stems . This means that as the plant diffuse , it can root itself at various point , serve it create a dense and compact increment form . This can be particularly utilitarian in preventing soil eating away on incline or in areas with loose soil .

In terms of sizing , mandraliscae typically grow to a height of about 18 in ( 45 cm ) . However , it can circulate out quite extensively , forming a mat that can cover a large domain if give the blank to do so . This spreading habit also makes it a worthy choice for fill in gaps between other plants or for creating a low - maintenance basis cover .

Mandraliscae is well adapted to dry out and arid conditions , making it a great choice for xeriscaping or H2O - wise horticulture . It is native to South Africa , where it thrives in hot and ironical climates . This succulent is extremely drouth - liberal and can hold up long menstruation without water system , making it a low - maintenance choice for those who may have limited time or resources to pay to their garden .

When it come to precaution , mandraliscae is comparatively well-fixed to grow . It prefers full sun to partial shade , so it is best placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of unmediated sunshine per day . The plant is not specially picky about soil character , as long as it is well - draining . In fact , it can even tolerate sandlike or bumpy soils , which further adds to its versatility .

Watering requirements for mandraliscae are minimum once lay down . It is important to permit the soil to dry out whole between lachrymation to prevent overwatering , which can lead to root rot . During the summertime month , when the plant is actively spring up , occasional deep lacrimation will suffice . In winter , when the plant becomes torpid , lachrymation can be reduced even further .

In terms of multiplication , mandraliscae can be well propagate from stem cutting . Simply cut a healthy stem and allow it to dry out for a few mean solar day before planting it in well - draining stain . The cut will rootle and ground itself in a subject of weeks , giving you the opportunity to boom your mandraliscae collecting or share it with champion and family .

Senecio talinoides var . mandraliscae , or racy chalksticks , is a captivating succulent with disconsolate - grey pencil - like leaves and a waxy blank covering . Its spread growth habit , ability to settle at nodes , and drought tolerance make it a various and humbled - maintenance option for gardener and landscapist . Whether used as a ground screen , in container , or as a tag works , mandraliscae can tote up a trace of beauty and singularity to any outdoor space .

Caroline Bates