How to Grow Mermaid Tail Succulent ?
Succulents with mermaid-tail shapes really exist, so gather ’round, plant fanatics. Whether your entire home is ocean-themed or you just want to add a touch of imagination, one of these plants will bring serious underwater sea sensations into your home. The plant is mermaid tail succulent.
The magical plant, formally known as a Crested Senecio Vitalis, resembles a succulent cactus hybrid and grows outward rather than toward a light source like most plants do. It often develops one to two feet tall and three to five feet wide, giving it the appearance of a mermaid or whale tail. The plant’s bluish-green tint makes it a perfect complement to any neutral or ocean-themed room. Continue to read more about how to grow mermaid tail succulent.
Mermaid Tail Succulent- Lesser Known Houseplant
- You may be unfamiliar with crested plants in general or what it means. Crested succulent plants are unique, which increases their value. A plant becomes crested by a process known as fasciation, which is most typically seen in flowers. This phenomenon is known as the “abnormal flattening of stems” in succulents.
- When you examine a crested plant closely, you’ll notice that the stem is flattened along the growing tips. This causes the plant’s new foliage to be short and bloated. Stems appear united at the bottom and stretch out at the top, giving the crested plant its appearance. The crest of the mermaid tail succulent is formed by the twisted branches produced by this process.
- If you absolutely must have one, as many of us do when we first see one, buy one that is already growing. While the mermaid cactus succulent can be grown from seed, there is no assurance that it will be crested, which gives it its distinctive appearance. Even though the plants are frequently crested, there is no guarantee until you notice that trait upon buying.
- When you buy a plant, look at the botanical name on the tag to see which one you have. Fortunately, both plants demand the same attention, so they should thrive in the same settings.
Growing Tips for Mermaid Tail Succulent
The blue-green foliage of this unusual crested plant is appealing. The unique succulent offers a tropical flair to your home or anywhere it is placed. Except where temperatures are too frigid, this low-maintenance succulent can be grown indoors or outdoors.
(a) Potting Mix
Since the roots of this plant are particularly prone to fungus infections and rotting, the mermaid tail succulent grows and thrives best in well-draining soil.
This plant flourishes in an unfertilized soil mixture and porous sandy soil, such as cactus potting or sand. The soil will benefit the plant more if it is organic and free of pesticides and fertilizers.
Additionally, the mermaid tail may develop at various pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.
(b) Light
The mermaid tail succulent flourishes admirably in both partial shade and intense sunlight. This sturdy, sun-loving shrub can tolerate the intense noon sun. You should try to keep it out of the afternoon sun as much as possible if you live in a warm area to prevent the sun from scorching its leaves.
If possible, take it outside where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. When growing your mermaid tail succulent inside, put it close to an east or south window.
(c) Watering need
You should water this mermaid tail succulent daily while it is still a baby. After that, you can water it every two to three days, depending on how well the soil drains extra water. Ensure the top layer of soil is completely dry before watering your plant.
Keep in mind that the importance of water entering is increased by having enough soil. Additionally, avoid placing the pot on a water saucer. Mermaid tail succulent is the ideal plant for people who don’t have much time to take care of plants but still want to enjoy their beauty because it can withstand droughts.
(d) Temperature and humidity
Although mermaid tail succulent prefers sunlight, succulents do not perform well in extremely hot or cold climates. With a minimum temperature range of 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it may grow in a variety of mild to hot and dry environments (-1 to 4 degrees Celsius). Additionally resistant to freezing conditions are mermaid tail succulents. Because of this, it grows in the winter and goes dormant in the summer.
Keep the mermaid tail succulent away from moisture and the cold. While cold can cause the water in the leaves to freeze, split, burn, and leave a scar, humidity can cause the leaves to deteriorate.
(e) Fertilizers
You don’t really need fertilizer for your mermaid tail. However, if the plant is being grown inside a container, you can give them half-strength liquid fertilizer if you wish to feed it so they can grow fully.
Always follow the directions and dilute fertilizer three or four times before giving it to your plant.
If grown outdoors, Your Mermaid’s Tail doesn’t need fertilizer.
(f) Pruning and Potting
The Mermaid tail succulent grows best in a large, shallow container with lots of room for its horizontal rhizome. You could also use a hollowed-out tree fern trunk or a wire-hanging planter with a coir fiber liner.
You can prune your Mermaid Tails to manage their height and spread. Every year, before the growing season begins, prune the trees.
Propagation of Mermaid Tail Succulent
Are you prepared to double your mermaid tail succulent? There is no guarantee that the new plant will look exactly like its mother plant when it is propagated, even though the Mermaid Tail is a mutation and is regarded as a rare plant. But! One day, you might have your very own collection of beautiful fairytale princesses!
So, this is how you propagate them:
- Use a clean knife to remove one of the plant’s leaves. When handling this deadly succulent plant, use gardening gloves.
- Before planting, let it callus for a few days. Don’t water the new plant for a few days to give it time to become used to its surroundings.
- Water the cutting of mermaid tail succulent daily until a root system forms after planting it in new, well-draining soil.
Diseases and Pest in Mermaid Tail Succulent
As with many other ferns, aphids, scale, and mealybugs can injure the Mermaid tail.
- Physical removal is the ideal method. However, you can use basic horticultural oil if that is not possible. Always read the directions to learn out what strength to use on ferns!
- Mermaid Tails are also susceptible to root rot and fungal infestations. Overwatering is a common source of these issues. You may avoid overwatering by using the soak and dry method.
- If the soil around your plant does not drain adequately, repot it in well-draining soil. The most frustrating feature about root rot is that you will almost certainly be unaware that your plant is affected until it is too late. However, you can salvage them if you notice the plants wilting or becoming mushy,’ discoloring, and turning a dull yellow or brown color.
(Also read- Tall Succulents for Spectacular Outdoor Decor)
Conclusion
A mermaid tail succulent, indigenous to South Africa’s Western Cape, grows in the winter and becomes dormant in the summer, which is unusual for succulents. The plant is extremely simple to care for, requiring little water and attention. A mermaid tail succulent favors sand or well-drained soil and thrives in the sun or moderate shade. Furthermore, it is drought-hardy. A mermaid tail succulent can withstand long periods of drought, making it a suitable companion for the forgetful caregiver.