Description
Gather around, plant fanatics: succulents that look like mermaid tails exist. Whether your whole house is ocean-inspired or you just want a hint of fantasy, one of these plants will bring major underwater sea vibes into your home.
The magical plant—officially known as a Crested Senecio Vitalis—resembles a succulent and cactus mix and grows outward instead of toward a light source like most plants do, according to Gardenia. It usually grows one to two feet high and can reach a width of three to five feet, making it look like a mermaid or whale tail. The bluish green color of the plant makes it a great addition to any neutral-colored or ocean-themed room.
How to grow Mermaid Tail Cactus
The Crested Senecio Vitalis is native to the cape of South Africa. That means it grows in the winter and is dormant in the summer, which most succulents don’t do. The plant is super easy to take care of with low water and maintenance needs. It grows in sun or light shade and prefers sand or well-drained soil. Plus, it’s highly resistant to drought. It can survive long dry periods, which makes it the ideal match for the forgetful caretaker.
When growing mermaid tail succulents, regardless of which specific variety you have, start with gritty, well-draining soil in a container with a drainage hole. This provides the right planting medium for the mermaid tail. Care of this plant includes acclimating it to a sunny spot outside or whatever type of bright or part sun area you choose inside
Limited watering is required for this succulent. Let the soil dry well before watering again. As with many succulent plants, too much water can cause root rot, especially if water lingers around the roots. The proper soil encourages the water to flow through. Don’t let the pot sit in a saucer of water either. How often to water depends on the conditions.
How to care for Mermaid Tail Cactus
As gorgeous as this unique plant is, they are also perfect for beginner growers with a brand new green thumb! Mermaid tails succulents are low maintenance plants that, like most other succulent plants, don’t require much care.
They’re even deer resistant, making them the ideal plant for all of you outdoor succulent owners!
Soil Requirements
Because it is primarily a cactus, Mermaid’s tail plants prefer well-drained soil. They thrive the best in sandy soil that is porous and devoid of much fertilizer. Like any other succulent plant, mermaid tails perfer a standard cactus mix that doesn’t let the roots get waterlogged in the plant’s soil.
Water Requirements
The roots of Crested Senecio Vitalis plants are prone to get fungal infections if they stay underwater for a long time. Therefore, the sandy soil must be completely dry and drained before you water your plant again.
Besides, Succulents Mermaids Tails are drought-resistant plants, and they can survive without being watered for up to a couple of weeks. They prefer dry periods between every watering.
However, when domesticated and grown as indoor plants, these plants don’t need a ton of water.
You should only need to water them conservatively, although regularly. The safest option for a mermaid tail cactus is to harvest rainwater for them since some treated water can lack essential vitamins and minerals or contain harmful constituents.
Light Requirement
Mermaid’s tail plants should ideally be placed near a natural light source or somewhere that gets both direct sunlight and light shade. Just remember that their primary growing season is in the winter!
These succulents are sun-loving and can easily withstand the mid-day sun for long hours. At least 6 hours of sunlight are vital for them, but if you live in a scorching region, these plants should be kept in a south-facing or east-facing window for partial shade.
Humidity Requirement
Mermaids tails plants are perfectly comfortable in 40% to 60% humidity ranges, especially the latter, which is the average humidity level of a household. If you live in a dry region or your home has a lot of air vents, placing the plant near a humidifier will keep it thriving.
USDA Hardiness Zone
Mermaid’s tail succulents are strange plants when it comes to weather and growing seasons, but they seem to do best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. While this is not a hard and fast rule, since most people grow them indoors, it is something to consider if they will be seeing any outdoor time.
Fertilizer Requirement
These succulents aren’t heavy feeders, but they’ll need some slow-release fertilizers that contain a healthy amount of phosphorous and potassium. However, fertilizer doesn’t need to be applied more than four times a year.