How to Grow and Care for a Candle Plant

The candle plant, Senecio articulatus, is a distinctive succulent native to South Africa. It features jointed, powdery blue-green stems that resemble stacked candle pieces, sometimes with hints of purple. These sausage-shaped stems are topped with small, lobed green leaves, which the plant may shed during its summer dormancy period.

Candle Plant Care

Light

This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Placing it near an east-facing window is ideal, as it can receive gentle direct morning sun without scorching its stems and leaves. If the plant receives too much intense, direct afternoon sun, its stems may develop brown sunburn patches. Insufficient light will cause the plant to stretch and become leggy.

Soil

A soil mixture with excellent drainage is required to prevent root rot in this succulent. A commercial cactus or succulent potting mix is a good choice, as these are formulated to be fast-draining. To further enhance drainage, you can amend the mix with perlite, coarse sand, or pumice. Using a container with a drainage hole is necessary to allow excess water to escape.

Water

Use the “soak and dry” method, which mimics the infrequent rainfall of its native environment. Water the soil thoroughly until it runs from the drainage hole, and then allow it to dry out completely before the next watering. An established plant may need watering only once every three weeks, as it is better to underwater this plant than to overwater it.

Temperature and Humidity

This succulent is well-suited to average household temperatures and low humidity. It can be grown outdoors in mild climates where temperatures do not drop below freezing, but it is most often kept as a houseplant. If moved outdoors for the summer, bring it inside before any risk of frost. The plant has no special humidity requirements.

Fertilizer

The candle plant has modest nutritional needs and does not require frequent feeding. During its active growing season in spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents, diluted to half-strength. Fertilize about once a month during the growth period, and stop entirely during its fall and winter dormancy.

How to Propagate a Candle Plant

New candle plants are easily propagated through stem cuttings, taking advantage of the plant’s naturally segmented stems. Select a healthy stem section and use a clean, sharp knife to cut at a joint. A single segment is all that is needed to start a new plant.

After taking a cutting, you must allow it to callus over to prevent rot. Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for several days. This allows the cut end to dry and form a protective layer before it is planted.

After the callus has formed, insert the cutting into a small pot with a well-draining succulent mix. Water the soil lightly and place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid watering heavily until roots have begun to form, which can take a few weeks.

Common Candle Plant Problems

Root rot is a frequent issue caused by overwatering. If the base of the plant becomes soft, mushy, and brown, reduce watering and ensure the soil dries out completely. In severe cases, you may need to unpot the plant to inspect the roots and trim away any that are black or decayed.

Stretched, sparse, and weakened stems, known as leggy growth, are a clear sign of inadequate light. The plant is reaching for a brighter light source. Moving the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight will encourage more compact growth.

Candle plants can attract common pests like mealybugs. These small, white, cottony insects often hide in the joints between stem segments. If you spot them, treat them by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Regular inspection helps catch pest issues early.