Curio articulatus
Also known as: Candle plant, hot dog cactus (unofficial)
The candle plant: purple-stemmed shoots with grey segmented leaves that drop in winter when the plant fully rests. It belongs to the Curio genus, comes from South Africa, stays around Stems 20–30 cm, deciduous in winter, and tolerates USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Curio
- Origin: South Africa
- Mature size: Stems 20–30 cm, deciduous in winter
- Hardiness: USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic if eaten
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Curio
- Origin
- South Africa
- Mature size
- Stems 20–30 cm, deciduous in winter
- Growth habit
- Upright stems with rounded segmented leaves (dormant in winter)
- Leaf colour
- Grey-blue segmented 'candle' leaves on purple stems
- Flower colour
- White brush flowers
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic if eaten
- Other names
- Candle plant, hot dog cactus (unofficial)
About the Curio articulatus
The candle plant: purple-stemmed shoots with grey segmented leaves that drop in winter when the plant fully rests. Water only during the leafy growing season.
Care and cultivation
String-of succulents have thin stems and small water-storing leaves, so they want lighter watering more often than rosette succulents — but still only when the soil is dry. Grow in a shallow, very gritty mix in bright indirect light, water until it drains, then wait. Shriveled beads mean thirsty; mushy beads near the soil mean rot. Light: Bright indirect with a little direct sun. Water: Light, infrequent watering; beads/shapes rot if kept wet. Use a Very gritty, fast-draining mix in a shallow pot.
Description
Curio articulatus is a Curio succulent from South Africa. The candle plant: purple-stemmed shoots with grey segmented leaves that drop in winter when the plant fully rests. Water only during the leafy growing season.
Identification
Look for: Grey-blue segmented 'candle' leaves on purple stems leaves in a Stems 20–30 cm, deciduous in winter form. Also answers to Candle plant, hot dog cactus (unofficial). The genus is Curio, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Candle plant'.
Common problems
Bead shrivelling from underwatering • Rot from overwatering — the #1 killer • Bare stems near the pot when light is uneven •
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Curio articulatus?
Light, infrequent watering; beads/shapes rot if kept wet. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Curio articulatus need?
Bright indirect with a little direct sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Curio articulatus, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.