Mermaid Tail Succulent

Quick Facts

• Native Habitat: South Africa
• Family: Asteraceae
• Water: Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings
• Sunlight: Full to partial sunlight, prefers bright indirect light
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix, can be enhanced with perlite or sand

Need tools for succulent propagation and repotting? Here are my go-to tools: mini tool set (including syringe 💉, gloves 🧤, tweezers 🪤, dust blower 💨, tiny shovels 🛠️) and well-draining mix 🌱.

Contents

1. Why it is called Mermaid Tail Succulent?
2. The Appearance of Mermaid Tail Succulent
3. How To Care for Mermaid Tail Succulent
   1. Light
   2. Watering
   3. Soil
   4. Temperature
   5. Humidity
   6. Fertilizing
   7. Pruning
   8. Repotting
   9. Dormancy
   10. Pests and Diseases
4. How to Propagate Mermaid Tail Succulent
5. Where to Find Mermaid Tail Succulent?

Why it is called Mermaid Tail Succulent?

The Mermaid Tail Succulent, also known as Crested Senecio Vitalis, is named after its leaves, which look like the tails of mermaids from stories and myths. These leaves are special because they grow in a spiral, creating a mesmerizing effect.

Mermaid tail with a Mermaid

The Appearance of Mermaid Tail Succulent

The Mermaid Tail Succulent has a captivating look that makes it stand out. Its special features include long, hanging stems covered in small, chubby leaves. These leaves are usually a bright green, which looks great with the pale, silvery color of the stems.

Long stem Mermaid Tail Succulent

But what really makes the Mermaid Tail Succulent unique is how its leaves grow. They arrange themselves in a fascinating spiral pattern, making it seem like the plant is moving gracefully, like the tails of mermaids in stories. This spiraling pattern is why it's called the Mermaid Tail Succulent, as it looks like the elegant and twisting tails of mythical mermaids.

How To Care for Mermaid Tail Succulent

Light

The Mermaid Tail Succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.

Watering

Like most succulents, the Mermaid Tail Succulent doesn't like too much water. You should water it carefully, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Giving it too much water can harm its roots.

Soil

Choosing the right soil is essential for your Mermaid Tail Succulent. It needs soil that drains well, so water doesn't gather around its roots. You can add perlite or sand to the soil to help it drain better.

Temperature

This succulent prefers warm weather and doesn't like the cold. It can handle temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C), but it's happiest between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C).

Humidity

It's not too picky about humidity, but it generally does better in dry conditions. That's good news if you want to keep it indoors.

Fertilizing

Your Mermaid Tail Succulent needs some food during the growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, but avoid feeding it during the winter when it's resting.

Pruning

You usually don't need to trim this plant, but if it gets too wild or some leaves die, you can give it a little trim to keep it looking tidy.

Repotting

Since it doesn't have deep roots, you don't have to repot it very often. You should only do so when it outgrows its pot or when the soil isn't providing enough nutrients.

Dormancy

Like many succulents, the Mermaid Tail Succulent takes a break in the winter. During this time, it grows slowly and doesn't need as much water. Adjust your care routine accordingly to avoid overwatering.

Pests and Diseases

This succulent is usually healthy and doesn't have many problems with pests or diseases. Just keep an eye out for common succulent pests like mealybugs or aphids. If they show up, you can treat them with neem oil or mild insecticidal soap.

How to Propagate Mermaid Tail Succulent

Mermaid Tail Cuttings

Propagating a Mermaid Tail Succulent is a fun way to make more plants from your existing one. Here's how you can do it:

You'll need:

• A healthy Mermaid Tail Succulent: Make sure your plant is in good shape before taking cuttings.
• Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears: You'll use these to take the cuttings.
• A small pot: This is where your new plant will grow.
• Well-draining soil: Use a mix specially made for succulents or cacti.
• A sunny spot: Your new plant will need light to grow.

Steps to propagate:

1. Choose healthy stems: Look for stems that are not too young or too old, somewhere in between. They should be around 3-6 inches long.

2. Take your cuttings: Use your scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut the stems. Make sure each cutting has a few leaves on it. Let the cuttings sit for a day or two to allow the cut ends to dry and callus. This helps prevent rot when you plant them.

3. Plant the cuttings: Fill your small pot with well-draining soil. Stick the cut ends of your Mermaid Tail cuttings about an inch into the soil. You can plant multiple cuttings in the same pot, just make sure they have some space between them.

4. Place in a sunny spot: Put your pot in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight at this stage as it can scorch the cuttings.

5. Water lightly: Water the soil just enough to make it damp but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to rot. After the initial watering, wait until the soil dries out before watering again.

6. Be patient: It might take a few weeks or even a couple of months for your cuttings to develop roots and start growing. Be patient and don't rush them.

7. Transplant: Once your cuttings have grown a bit and have a good root system, you can transplant them into a larger pot if you want. By this point, you can treat them like mature Mermaid Tail Succulents.

And that's how you propagate a Mermaid Tail Succulent! It's a rewarding way to create new plants and expand your succulent collection. Just remember to be gentle and patient throughout the process, and your new succulents should thrive.

Where to Find Mermaid Tail Succulent?

Finding a Mermaid Tail Succulent to add to your plant collection is an exciting endeavor. Here's where you can look to find one:

1. Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Start your search at nearby nurseries and garden centers. They often have a variety of succulents, including the elusive Mermaid Tail Succulent.

2. Specialized Succulent Stores: Some stores specialize in succulents and cacti. These are excellent places to find unique succulent varieties like the Mermaid Tail Succulent.

3. Online Plant Shops: The internet has made it easier than ever to find and purchase rare plants. Numerous online plant shops offer a wide selection of succulents, and you're likely to find Mermaid Tail Succulents there.

4. Plant Shows and Expos: Attend local plant shows, expos, or gardening events. These gatherings often feature sellers who offer a diverse range of plants, including rare succulents.

5. Succulent Enthusiast Communities: Joining online succulent enthusiast communities, such as forums or social media groups, can be a valuable resource. Members often share information about where to find specific succulent varieties and may even offer cuttings or plants for sale or trade.

6. Friends and Fellow Plant Lovers: Don't forget to ask your friends who share your passion for plants. They might have a lead on where to find a Mermaid Tail Succulent or even be willing to share a cutting from their own plant.

When searching for a Mermaid Tail Succulent, be patient and persistent. These unique plants can sometimes be a bit elusive, but with some effort and a bit of luck, you'll likely find one to add to your collection.