The world is already fascinated by the idea of mermaids; whether they were ever real or not, their entire concept is enchanting.
That is why the discovery of the Mermaid Tail Succulent has taken the world by storm.
Although mermaids are mythical creatures, they have always been represented as resilient, independent, and free creatures with a capacity to overcome challenges and swim against the tides.
The mermaid’s tail is the most potent element of the legend and the means by which perilous seas are traversed. So why not incorporate this powerful symbol into your living space?
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How To Grow Mermaid Tail Succulent?
Mother nature has given succulents a prized addition, the Mermaid Tail Succulent, which is a crested variety of the Senecio Vitalis species.
This unusual-looking succulent is a type of hybrid cactus-succulent that occasionally develops as a result of fascination.
Plants that have undergone fasciation begin to flatten out and grow upwards away from the sunlight, as opposed to toward it.
Before you plan on planting a Mermaid Tail Succulent, you should know they aren’t easy to locate, much like mermaids themselves.
They are native to the eastern regions of South Africa and if you happen to get your hands on one, make sure to cut apart from the mutated mermaid tail and propagate it.
That is the most reliable method of passing on the genesis of the parent plant to new offspring.
Now let’s proceed to the planting guidelines for this beautiful, oceanic, and symbolic succulent.
Mermaid Tail Succulent Planting Guidelines
Potting Soil Recommendation
Since its roots are particularly susceptible to fungi, diseases, and rotting, Mermaid Tail Succulents grow and thrive best in well-drained soil.
This plant flourishes in an unfertilized soil mixture and fine permeable sand, like cactus potting mix or sand. The soil will benefit the plant more if it is natural and free of pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals.
Sunlight Requirements
The Crested Senecio Vitalis flourishes brilliantly in both shady areas and intense sunlight. This sturdy, sun-loving shrub can tolerate the intense noon sun.
However, if you are living somewhere with a hot sun and a warm climate, it will be better to keep the Mermaid Tail away from the direct afternoon sun to prevent it from scorching its leaves.
Six hours of sunlight every day is the ideal amount for it to thrive and grow. If you are growing your mermaid tail indoors, try to keep it near a south or east-facing window for a flourishing and happy shrub.
Optimal Growth Temperature
While they prefer sunlight, extremely cold or hot temperatures won’t allow the succulent to thrive and grow.
An ideal climate for Mermaid Tails is moderate to warm and dry weather. The lowest temperatures it can survive in are –1 – 4 degrees Celsius (30 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
Additionally, these resilient succulents are resistant to freezing conditions as they grow during the winter and remain dormant throughout summer.
Humidity and frost are their enemies as humidity can lead to the rapid decay of leaves, whereas frost can freeze the water inside leaves, causing burning, breaking, and producing scars.
Water Requirements
When you first plant your Mermaid Tail Succulent, it will need an adequate amount of water. Water it every few days while it is still a baby and until the roots are established.
After that, you can water your plant twice or thrice a week, depending on your soil’s drainage.
Keep in mind that the need for water entering is increased by maintaining enough soil. Secondly, avoid placing the pot in a water bowl.
The ‘soak and dry’ technique is the best for watering Mermaid Tail Succulents since it is the safest. You just have to be sure the top layer of soil is completely dry before pouring more water into the soil.
Furthermore, if it is hard for you to take care of plants, the Mermaid Tail is a great place to start.
If you lack the time and still want to enjoy the natural beauty of mother nature, Mermaid Tails are ideal because they are resilient and can easily withstand droughts.
Fertilizer Requirements
A Mermaid Tail Succulent doesn’t really need any fertilizer. But if you are growing it indoors in a container, you can feed it with a half-strength liquid fertilizer to help it grow fully.
However, make sure you thoroughly go through the instructions before feeding it to the succulent. Keep in mind that fertilizers should be diluted 3-4 times in water before adding them to the plant.
Additionally, if you are planting your Mermaid Tail outdoors in the ground, there is no need for any fertilizer at all.
How to Propagate your Mermaid Tail Succulent
Since the Mermaid Tail is a mutant, there is no guarantee the baby will be just like the parent.
Even so, you may end up with a beautiful collection of different kinds of sea creature tails that will still have that bluish-green tint and look absolutely mythical.
Below is a guide on how you can propagate them.
- Firstly, before you attempt to propagate the succulent, keep in mind that it is highly toxic, so you should always wear gardening gloves when handling it. Use a clean knife to carefully remove one of the plant’s leaves.
- Once removed, let it callus for some days before transferring it into the potting soil. Avoid watering it so that the new plant gets accustomed to its new surroundings.
- Now you can transfer the plant into well-draining soil or the ground and start watering it on a daily basis.
- Keep watering once every few days until you see the roots taking hold, then limit watering to once weekly.
Mermaid tails are frequently multiplied through clippings and overlaying.
The cuttings you use to reproduce them need a lot of room to spread their roots out in order for them to adequately absorb moisture from the ground.
Mermaid Tail Succulents are Easiest to Grow
The primary reason Mermaid Tail Succulents are so popular, apart from their look, is that they are extremely easy to grow. They can readily propagate by attaching separated pieces back again.
Clippings can be used to grow Mermaid Tail Succulents, or you can just replant the broken pieces that have fallen off.
Mermaid Tail leaves typically fall off by themselves and naturally sprout new plants. A leaf will also often form a bud just before it breaks, which makes it very simple to proliferate.
The simplest method to propagate them is by putting the fallen leaves into the soil or ground, watering them as needed, and watching as a new plant appears within weeks.
Another easy method to grow Mermaid Tail Succulents is by dividing the stem in two and placing it in the soil or rooting enzyme.
You could even bury it in the ground, but ensure that it receives adequate sunlight; otherwise, it won’t grow.
Pruning the Mermaid Tail
Whenever you plan on planting the Mermaid Tail Succulent, keep in mind that it grows to about 2 feet in height and over 3-5 feet wide.
Therefore, if you are short on space, the Mermaid Tail might not be a good option. You can always go for any other succulent that doesn’t require as much space.
Because of their width, these succulents prefer a big, shallow pot with lots of room for their horizontal stems to grow.
A wire-hanging pot with a natural fiber lining or a part of the fern tree trunk that has been hollowed out also works great.
If you want to limit your Mermaid Tail’s width and height, you may trim it once a year, right before the growing season, which is during the winter.
How to Start Planting a Mermaid Tail Succulent
You can easily find a starter plant online, and if you can’t, Call your neighborhood plant shop to check if they have one.
They frequently have attractive packaging and are reasonably priced. You should receive your Mermaid Tail Succulent in a plastic container with holes in the bottom.
Benefits of a Mermaid Tail Succulent
- They are excellent as border or bedding plants.
- They pair greatly with agave and aloe.
- Mermaid Tails are excellent for a Mediterranean-themed garden.
- They are an excellent selection for hanging baskets, pots, and patio.
- They can create various textures in your garden and will make a perfect addition to other succulents.
- Mermaid Tails look stunning with orchids and other small flowers.
We have given you more reasons to go ahead and get yourselves these beautiful, unique plants that are easy to maintain and care for.
Wrap Up
These South African plants are now grown all over the world and have gained popularity because they are so unique looking and have the added benefits of easy care and maintenance.
Even though they are easily maintained, they can still face damage due to fungus, bugs, scale, and aphids.
The main cause for these issues is overwatering, so be careful every time you water your plant; check if the soil has dried or not.
The most frustrating thing about root rot is that, more often than not, you won’t realize your plant is sick until it’s too late.
Mermaid Tail Succulents, however, start to turn yellowish or greyish and turn mushy; this is when you can salvage them by changing the entire soil.
They don’t require that much water, and just having them in your living space will automatically make you feel optimistic, resilient, and free, just like the mermaids.
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself this amazing plant and enhance your garden and the ambiance of your home.
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