Mermaid Tail Succulent plant care. Officially known as Crested Senecio Vitalis, the succulent looks like a mermaid’s tail, hence the name.
It grows to about 2 feet (24 inches) and spreads to 3 to 5 feet (36 to 60 inches), looking like a whale’s or mermaid’s tail.
Mermaid Tail Succulent Care
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant prefers bright, filtered sunlight, organic soil containing coco coir or perlite, and slow-release fertilizer. once a month. The temperature should not get below 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 4 degrees Celsius). Water every 2-3 weeks.
Table of Contents
Mermaid Tail Succulent Care Guide
Soil
Good soil is the key to growing a happy and healthy Mermaid Tail Succulent plant. This beauty likes fertile, organic soils with peat moss, perlite, or worm castings.
The soil should not hold excess water as root rot quickly takes over such plants.
Please opt for sandy soils, such as sand or cactus potting mix, for your Mermaid Tail Succulent plant.
Moreover, use the least commercial fertilizers and chemicals, choosing organic materials instead.
Water
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is reasonably drought-resistant, enduring long dry spells.
However, healthy growth can only occur if the plant’s water needs are met well.
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant likes water daily in its initial stages. But as the plant grows, it requires lesser water ever 2-3 weeks as the leaves can absorb water better.
The watering frequency depends on the plant’s environment and the soil’s water-retaining capacity.
Light
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant can tolerate light levels of various ranges. But put it where there is bright, dappled sunlight for a healthy Mermaid Tail Succulent plant.
Southeast windows and sunny balconies mainly offer the best sunlight for such plants.
If you live in a rainy or cloudy region, you can grow the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant under artificial growing lights. However, I suggest placing the plant in natural sunlight whenever possible.
The early morning and late evening sun are pretty beneficial for the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant.
Temperature
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is succulent and seems to have sturdy leaves that tolerate high and low temperatures. But testing its limits is not the goal here.
Therefore, please maintain a temperature range of at least 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 4 degrees Celsius) for the plant to thrive fully.
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant also does well in freezing temperatures, surprisingly. This is because the plant’s dormant during this time.
Thus, you can skip watering and feeding it during the period.
Humidity
Humidity is an immensely important factor for all plants, including the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant.
Ideally, it likes humidity levels ranging from 40% to 60%. The average household humidity of 60% is also fine.
If your area is pretty dry or you have air vents on all day, your house may be drier than usual.
In such instances, a humidifier comes in very handy. You can buy one online or commercially.
Fertilizer
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is not a heavy feeder but needs some elements to flourish fully and give rise to new growth.
This beauty enjoys slow-release fertilizers with plenty of potassium and phosphorus.
You can apply the feed to the plant’s soil and let it be for a few months. The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant rarely needs to be fed again until 2 to 3 months.
However, you may need to increase the feeding frequency in the case of liquid fertilizer. Please follow the instructions mentioned in your feed’s packaging.
Repotting
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant thoroughly enjoys medium to large pots. It has rhizomes that grow horizontally, so it needs plenty of space.
The roots also need some area to spread out. Therefore, starting with a medium-sized pot is a good idea.
You can choose a tree fern trunk with a hollow portion, a hanging planter, and a coir fiber liber for your Mermaid Tail Succulent plant.
Pruning
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant should ideally be pruned every year so that you can control its height and spread.
The best time to trim the abnormal or leggy stems is before the growing season.
Pruning also allows the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant to direct most of its energy toward new growth. It helps you eliminate diseased foliage before the infectious agent spreads further.
Mermaid Tail Succulent Propagation
A plant as lovely as the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant should be propagated. It is a rare plant, so increasing its numbers is only beneficial.
You can keep the new plant for yourself or gift it to your family members or friends.
The new plant may not grow exactly like the mother Mermaid Tail Succulent plant since it is mutated.
However, you will most definitely have a unique Mermaid Tail Succulent plant that you can show off!
Let’s see how to propagate this stunner:
- Pick the healthiest Mermaid Tail Succulent plant and cut off a stem with a few nodes. Please ensure you use a clean knife.
- For few days, allow the Mermaid Tail succulent’s cutting to callus. Do not water it during this time.
- Plant this cutting in a fresh and appropriate soil mix.
- Water the potting mix every day until some roots sprout.
- Transfer the cutting in indirect sunlight and enjoy your new Mermaid Tail Succulent.
Flowering Mermaid Tail Cactus
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is a mutated version of a natural plant. Therefore, it does not flower too often. It may produce some structures resembling flowers with a crested appearance. But these are not true flowers.
Growth
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 a to 11 b, as the temperatures here remain around 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1.1 degrees Celsius) to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees of Celsius).
It grows to about 2 feet (24 inches) and spreads to 3 to 5 feet (36 to 60 inches) with proper care.
It will even manage in USDA zones 10 to 11. However, bring it inside when the weather is too harsh.
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant will only flourish fully if kept in the right conditions.
Common Problems for Mermaid Tail Succulent
Plant Pests
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is frequently attacked by pests, including mealybugs and spider mites.
The mealybugs are tiny insects that suck the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant’s sap, depleting it of nutrients and other essential elements.
The plant suffers greatly as it loses vigor and new growth. The mealybugs also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts even more pests to the plant.
Resultantly, moldy growth develops on the plant and ruins fruit quality.
Spider mites are another issue that has to be dealt with immediately. These pests are often not seen using one’s naked eye only.
They pierce the plant with their mouth and suck on the juices. Their characteristic symptoms include yellow or whitish spotting. You usually find these spider mites on the leaves undersides.
To get rid of these spider mites, use a pesticide on your plant. Also, rub neem oil on the affected parts and isolate the plant until you are fully sure it is pest-free.
Root Rot
Another common problem with the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is root rot. It is mostly the first disease to attack when the plant is damp or in excess moisture.
The condition causes root decay, depleting the plant of nutrients and halting its transport mechanism.
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant suffers significantly as it can no longer absorb nutrients effectively from the ground.
It causes poor growth, wilting, leaf drop, and eventually death.
To save your plant, completely withhold watering until the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is dry. In severe cases, remove the plant from its pot and apply some fungicide.
Now, transplant the pot into fresh soil and a clean pot.
Powdery Mildew
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant may be affected by powdery mildew. The plant turns yellow, the leaves fall off early, and the fruit is exposed to sunburn.
Some parts may even twist upon themselves, buckle, or become distorted.
Powdery mildew is mostly a complication of fungal infections. It spreads quickly and becomes a reason for other pests to attack the plant.
As it spreads, the powdery mildew covers the entire plant surface.
Use an all-purpose fungicide on your Mermaid Tail Succulent plant to eliminate it. Alternatively, spray your plant with bicarbonate soda, using about ½ teaspoon per gallon of water.
Tips for Growing Mermaid Tail Succulent
- Plant your Mermaid Tail Succulent plant in a light, well-draining soil to avoid suffocation of roots.
- It can resist droughts very well. However, watering it every few days keeps it healthy and looking fresh.
- The lowest range the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant can tolerate is 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 4 degrees Celsius). Ensure you always keep it in higher temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°F)
- The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant does best in 40% to 60% humidity. It also thrives in about 50% of moisture and average household humidity. So, the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant will do well indoors.
- High humidity is a prime reason for mold on the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant. Therefore, please ensure that you place it in medium moisture only.
Mermaid tail succulent poisonous
The Mermail tail succulent is poisonous to cats and dogs. All Senecio species are considered toxic.
Read about Mother of Millions care next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant rare?
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is a mutated blue-green version of the narrow-leafed chalk-fingers succulent. It resembles the tail of a mermaid hence the name. It is exceptionally rare and makes the most incredible addition to any houseplant’s succulent collection.
How do you propagate a Succulent tail?
Place a small cutting of the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant in sandy soil. Water this cutting every few days until you see some roots growing. Then bring the watering to once a week only. Maintain this schedule till the cutting grows into a mature Mermaid Tail Succulent plant.
Why is my Mermaid Tail Succulent plant tipping over?
The most common reason for a Mermaid Tail Succulent plant tipping over is improper watering technique. When the topsoil is slightly dry, and the leaves appear wrinkled is the best time to water it. Keep watering the Mermaid Tail Succulent until water appears and rushes through the drainage holes.
How do you make a cutting of a Mermaid Tail plant?
You can cut off one of the leaves from a healthy Mermaid Tail Succulent plant and allow it to callus for 1 – 2 days. Put this cutting in fresh and fertile soil and refrain from watering it for a few days. You will see new growth in some time.
Is the Mermaid Tail Succulent plant poisonous?
The Mermaid Tail Succulent plant is poison to pets and humans. Therefore, please place it at a safe distance from pets and toddlers.
Conclusion On How to Grow a Mermaid Tail Succulent
The Mermaid Tail Succulent prefers bright, dappled light, watering every 2-3 weeks, and fertilizer once a month. An ideal temperature range is 65-80°F (18-27°F).
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.