Senecio stapeliiformis
Best low-maintenance succulent for busy plant lovers seeking unique hanging greenery.
The Senecio stapeliiformis, commonly known as the Pickle Plant or Pickle Cactus, is a unique upright succulent originating from South Africa. Its distinctive pencil-like, blue-green stems grow to trail as they mature, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. During the summer, it produces striking reddish-orange flowers at the stem tips. This plant thrives in bright sun to partial shade and prefers a well-draining, chunky potting mix. It requires moderate watering during the growing season, with a period of drying out in winter. It is drought-tolerant and prefers temperatures between 50-100°F.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1763
/ 2700
#1763 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Family
Asteraceae
/ Asteraceae
Who it's for
- Design enthusiasts seeking a modern, architectural statement piece
- Busy professionals or beginners needing a low-maintenance succulent
- Plant collectors who enjoy propagating and expanding their indoor garden
Who should skip it
- Owners of dim apartments lacking sufficient natural light
- Over-attentive gardeners prone to frequent watering habits
- Hands-off plant owners who prefer low-maintenance, pest-resistant varieties
Performance breakdown
Visual Appeal
The unique pencil-like stems offer a striking, sculptural aesthetic.
Ease of Care
Drought-tolerant nature makes this an ideal choice for busy plant owners.
Flowering Potential
Vibrant summer blooms provide a rewarding seasonal pop of color.
Versatility
Adapts beautifully to both upright displays and trailing hanging baskets.
Environmental Tolerance
Handles a wide temperature range with impressive resilience and grace.
Growth Habit
Predictable trailing pattern allows for creative and controlled indoor styling.
Key Specs
Family
Asteraceae
Shipped in a 3-4 inch pot
Features
- Unique upright succulent with trailing mature stems
- Striking reddish-orange summer blooms
- Excellent for hanging baskets
- Drought-tolerant
- Easy to care for
- Fleshy blue-green, pencil-like stems that trail when mature
- Produces vibrant reddish-orange flowers in summer
- Thrives in bright sun to partial shade
- Requires moderate watering during the growing season
- Drought-tolerant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Senecio stapeliiformis from Steve's Leaves. Many highlight receiving healthy, well established plants that are carefully packaged, ensuring safe arrival. The unique appearance of this "pickle plant" is frequently admired, exceeding expectations. Shoppers often feel they receive excellent value, noting the plant's size and vitality justify the price. Overall, the sentiment reflects high satisfaction with both the product's condition and its distinctive appeal.
Know before you buy
It starts as an upright, pencil-like succulent, but as the stems mature and gain length, they naturally begin to trail. This makes it a great candidate for hanging baskets or elevated planters.
This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light to partial sun. If you notice the stems stretching or becoming thin, it is likely looking for more light.
During the active growing season, water moderately once the soil has dried out significantly. In the winter, you should reduce watering frequency to allow the plant to rest and prevent root rot.
Because it is prone to rot if left in soggy conditions, use a well-draining, chunky potting mix. A standard cactus or succulent blend amended with extra perlite or pumice works best.
Yes, if provided with enough light, it can produce striking reddish-orange flowers at the tips of its stems during the summer months.
It is considered quite easy to care for, provided you avoid overwatering. Its drought tolerance makes it a forgiving choice for those who occasionally forget to water their plants.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$15