E.T. Fingers Succulent: The Unique Plant That Will Steal Your Heart

Oleh Jerald Mayert June 14, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're looking for a succulent that will stand out in your collection, look no further than the E.T. Fingers Succulent. This unique plant features long, slender leaves that resemble the fingers of the iconic extra-terrestrial character from the Steven Spielberg movie. Also known as Senecio peregrinus, this plant is a hybrid of two other popular succulents, namely Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Hot Dog Cactus).

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the E.T. Fingers Succulent - its characteristics, care requirements, and how to propagate it. We'll also explore some interesting facts about this plant and why it's worth adding to your collection.

Characteristics

The E.T. Fingers Succulent is a trailing plant that can grow up to 12 inches long. Its leaves are green and slightly curved, with little bulges on the sides that give them their distinctive finger-like appearance. The plant produces small white or yellow flowers in the summer, which add to its charm.

One of the most fascinating things about the E.T. Fingers Succulent is the way it grows. Unlike most plants, it doesn't grow from the tip of its stems, but rather from the sides. This means that the older leaves eventually die off, while new ones form along the stem. This creates a cascading effect that looks stunning when the plant is hung or placed on a shelf.

Care Requirements

Like most succulents, the E.T. Fingers Succulent is fairly easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light, so a south-facing window or a spot near a well-lit window would be ideal. However, direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it's best to avoid placing it in a sunny spot.

The plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to use a potting mix that contains perlite or sand. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, but make sure not to overwater it. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is one of the most common causes of death for succulents.

During the summer months, you can fertilize the E.T. Fingers Succulent with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks. However, don't fertilize it during the winter months when it goes dormant.

Propagation

Propagating the E.T. Fingers Succulent is relatively easy. You can do it using stem cuttings, which should be taken from the stem tips and allowed to callus over for a few days before planting. Once the cuttings have callused, plant them in well-draining soil and water sparingly until they root.

Another way to propagate this plant is by taking leaf cuttings. Simply remove a leaf from the stem and allow it to callus over for a few days. Then, place the leaf on top of moist soil and mist it occasionally until new growth appears.

Interesting Facts

The E.T. Fingers Succulent is also known as String of Dolphins because the little bulges on its leaves resemble dolphins.
It was first discovered in Japan in the late 20th century and has since become a popular addition to many succulent collections.
Despite its popularity, the E.T. Fingers Succulent is still relatively rare compared to other succulents.

The E.T. Fingers Succulent is a unique and charming plant that will steal your heart. With its finger-like leaves and cascading growth habit, it's sure to stand out in any collection. And the fact that it's easy to care for and propagate makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced succulent enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the E.T. Fingers Succulent toxic to pets?

A1. Yes, like most succulents, the E.T. Fingers Succulent is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals.

Q2. How often should I water my E.T. Fingers Succulent?

A2. Water your E.T. Fingers Succulent deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. This can range from once a week to once every three weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.

Q3. Can I grow my E.T. Fingers Succulent outdoors?

A3. The E.T. Fingers Succulent can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. However, it's best to keep it in a pot so you can bring it indoors during cold weather.

Q4. What kind of soil should I use for my E.T. Fingers Succulent?

A4. The E.T. Fingers Succulent prefers well-draining soil, so use a potting mix that contains perlite or sand.

Q5. How can I make my E.T. Fingers Succulent produce more fingers?

A5. Unfortunately, there's no way to make your E.T. Fingers Succulent produce more fingers. The number of fingers it produces is determined by genetics.

Q6. Can I propagate my E.T. Fingers Succulent by division?

A6. No, the E.T. Fingers Succulent cannot be propagated by division because it doesn't have a central stem. Instead, you can propagate it using stem or leaf cuttings.

Q7. Does the E.T. Fingers Succulent need fertilizer?

A7. Yes, you can fertilize your E.T. Fingers Succulent during the summer months with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks.

Q8. Can I prune my E.T. Fingers Succulent?

A8. Yes, you can prune your E.T. Fingers Succulent by cutting back any stems that have become too long or leggy. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant looking full and healthy.

Q9. How big does the E.T. Fingers Succulent get?

A9. The E.T. Fingers Succulent can grow up to 12 inches long, but its overall size will depend on its growing conditions.

Q10. Why is it called the E.T. Fingers Succulent?

A10. The E.T. Fingers Succulent is called that because its finger-like leaves resemble the fingers of the extra-terrestrial character from the Steven Spielberg movie.