Scientific Name:

Kleinia pendula

Common name:

Inch Worm, Inchworm Plant, Tapeworm Plant

Family:

Asteraceae

Sub-Family:

Asteroideae

Tribe:

Senecioneae

Genus:

Kleinia

Origin:

Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Yemen

Hardiness Zone:

13b

10a

ABout the PLant

Kleinia pendula is a unique and beautiful succulent that has been captivating plant enthusiasts for centuries. Native to South Africa, this species of succulent is known for its eye-catching foliage and cascading stems. Kleinia pendula typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, ranging in color from deep green to silvery blue. The leaves are long and narrow, arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem. Kleinia pendula also produces clusters of small yellow flowers during the summer months. This hardy succulent is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil that is kept moderately moist during the growing season. During winter months, it should be watered less frequently as it goes dormant. Fertilizing should be done sparingly throughout the year with a balanced fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. Kleinia pendula has been cultivated since ancient times, making it one of the oldest known succulents still in existence today. It was first described by botanist Carl Ludwig von Willdenow in 1809, who named it after German botanist Johann Klein (1775–1833). This species continues to be popular among gardeners due to its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements.

The Kleinia pendula succulent is best suited for bright indirect light. It can tolerate some direct light, but it should be kept out of harsh midday sun. This plant prefers medium to low light and will thrive in an area that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.

Kleinia pendula succulents thrive in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The ideal soil should be light and airy, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A good mix for this succulent would include two parts potting soil, one part perlite or pumice, and one part coarse sand. This combination will provide the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage for optimal growth.

The Kleinia pendula succulent is a drought-tolerant plant, so it does not need much water. Water it every two to three weeks in the summer months and once a month in the winter. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.

The ideal humidity conditions for the Kleinia pendula succulent are around 40-50%. This is a relatively low humidity level, so it's important to make sure your environment isn't too humid. If you find that the air in your home is too dry, you can mist the leaves of your succulent occasionally or use a humidifier to increase the humidity levels.