Euphorbia Lactea- Mermaid Tail cactus 6”

Crested Senecio vitalis mermaid cactus, native to South Africa, is a mutated succulent known for its wavy, fan-shaped growth that resembles ocean coral or a mermaid tail. What makes this plant special is its crested form—instead of growing upright like a typical succulent, it spreads in rippling, layered folds with a blue-green tone that gives it a sculptural, underwater look.

Light drives how tight and defined those crests stay. Place it in a south or west-facing window where it receives strong, direct light. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 6–10 inches from the top of the plant. In lower light, the crests can flatten and lose definition, and growth becomes weaker. Strong light keeps the folds dense, upright, and more vividly colored.

Watering should be minimal and controlled. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it dry again, using a fast-draining mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This plant shows stress through its structure—if the base becomes soft or discolored, the roots are staying too wet. If the crests stretch or lose their compact form, it’s reacting to light, not water. Slight wrinkling while staying firm indicates it’s ready for water, while any mushy areas signal excess moisture.