Succulents that look like mermaid tails exist. Whether your whole house is ocean-inspired or you want a hint of fantasy, one of these plants will bring major underwater sea vibes into your home.
According to Gardenia, the magical plant, officially known as a Crested Senecio Vitalis, resembles a succulent and cactus hybrid and grows outward rather than toward a light source, as most plants do. This type can grow anywhere from 1 – 2 feet tall on average with the possibility up to 5 feet wide which makes it resemble either an aquatic creature such as fish or whale tail, depending on who’s looking at it! The bluish-green color also makes this plant great for any neutral-colored environment.
Mermaid Tail is one of the most popular succulent varieties that is currently trending on Instagram and Pinterest. This plant got its name because it resembles a mermaid’s tail with bright colors lining the edges when it blooms. It also has an interesting backstory; this variety was discovered in 2011 by a woman who discovered two plants at her local nursery that were not the same. She contacted the company to inquire about her observations, and she discovered they were both mutations of another variety known as “Umbrella Plant.”
Mermaid Tail succulents are difficult to come by, so seize the opportunity when you see it! Please make sure they get plenty of sunlight and are well-watered. They’re also a good plant for beginners because they won’t overpower your garden like some of the more exotic varieties that can grow up to two feet tall. If you’ve never heard of Mermaid Tails or any other type of succulent, now is a good time to learn more about these plants that have been around since prehistoric times and will never go out of style regardless of what trends come and go.
-Mermaid Tail Succulent (or “mermaid’s tail”) got its name from its resemblance to mermaids’ tails.
The Crested Senecio Vitalis is indigenous to South Africa’s Western Cape. It grows in the winter and goes dormant in the summer, which is unusual for succulents. The plant is straightforward to care for, requiring little water and maintenance. It prefers sand or well-drained soil and grows in the sun or light shade. Furthermore, it is drought-resistant. It can withstand long periods of drought, making it an ideal companion for the forgetful caregiver.
Grow and Care Tips
If you’re fortunate enough to have a beautiful mutated Mermaid Tail, you should follow Senecio Vitalis’s care routine. They do well in direct sunlight. It is best to place it somewhere outside where they can soak up the sun for at least 6 hours per day. Mermaid Tail is resistant to deer and spreads quickly. These succulents are typically used as garden fillers, so keep an eye on them, so they don’t overpower the ground.
Mermaid Tail has typical succulent soil and water requirements. Because root rotting and fungi infections are so common, the soil must be well-drained. If you intend to plant it in a pot, add some sand or perlite to the soil mix. To be on the safe side, use the “soak and dry” method when watering. Before adding water again, make sure the soil’s topcoat is completely dry.
Mermaid Tail is not a cold-tolerant succulent. If temperatures in your area fall below 30° F (-1.1° C), plant this one in a container that you can bring inside when needed. Mermaid Tail is also a winter grower. This succulent goes into a dormant phase during the summer, so you can safely reduce the water level a little if you don’t want to drown it.
Propagation
Because the Mermaid Tail is a mutation, there is no guarantee that the new plant will look like the mother. This does happen, however, and you may end up with your own collection of these fairytale beauties. Cuttings of this succulent are easily propagated. Simply cut off one of the leaves with a sterile knife, let it callus for a day or two, and replant it in well-draining, fresh soil. Remember not to water the new cutting for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new surroundings.
