Pickle Plant or Spear Head
Curio articulatus
A unique succulent with jointed, grey-green cylindrical stems that resemble sausage links or pickles, often featuring purple or green marbling and small lance-shaped leaves.
- Light
- Bright indirect light to full sun; requires at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for compact growth.
- Water
- Low frequency; water thoroughly only when soil is bone dry. Highly drought tolerant, sensitive to overwatering which causes stem collapse.
- Growth
- Perennial succulent shrub; stems can reach 30-60 cm in length, often trailing or prostrate over time.
Care instructions
Provide bright light and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season and use a gritty, well-draining cactus mix.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to full sun; requires at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for compact growth.
Watering
Low frequency; water thoroughly only when soil is bone dry. Highly drought tolerant, sensitive to overwatering which causes stem collapse.
Soil
Sandy, porous, well-draining succulent or cactus mix; pH range 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 9b to 11b; minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F).
Growth habit
Perennial succulent shrub; stems can reach 30-60 cm in length, often trailing or prostrate over time.
Bloom season
Late autumn to winter; produces small, discoid, yellowish-white or pinkish flowers on long stalks.
Propagation
Stem cuttings or division; allow segments to callus for several days before planting in dry soil.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if soil remains damp; susceptible to mealybugs and aphids in poorly ventilated areas.
Similar species
Curio talinoides (Blue Chalksticks) which has blue-grey pointed leaves, and Kleinia gregorii which has distinct leaf scars but different stem segmentation.