Chalk Fingers

Curio ficoides
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Other Succulents
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water once established; water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely. Avoid frequent watering during extreme heat or cold weather.
Size
1-2 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Clustering succulent
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Description
An upright, branching succulent with elongated, fingerlike, blue-gray leaves coated in a powdery white bloom; also known as big blue chalk sticks.
Bloom Time
Winter to spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Clustering succulent
Mature Size
1-2 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Flower Color
White to pale yellow
Foliage Color
Blue-gray / chalky white
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Afternoon-shaded sites, Elephant bush, Golden barrel cactus, Lace agave, Soap aloe
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Mildly toxic to pets and livestock if ingested
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense western exposure and reflected heat.

Water: Low water once established; water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely. Avoid frequent watering during extreme heat or cold weather.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or sandy soil; use a mineral-rich cactus mix in containers and raised beds where native soil drains poorly.

Mature size: About 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide; size varies with growing conditions and pruning.

Bloom: Generally blooms in summer on mature plants; grown primarily for its foliage.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; frost or severe stress can damage foliage.

Growth rate: Moderate; faster with mild temperatures and appropriate watering.