Fish Hook Succulent - Senecio Radicans 'Glauca'

The Fish Hook Succulent, also called Senecio Radicans ‘Glauca’, is one of my favorite trailing succulents. Its curved, greenish-blue leaves resemble tiny fishhooks, making it a standout in hanging baskets or shelf edges. In this article, I’ll answer the most common questions I’ve been asked about growing and caring for this beautiful plant.

What Is Fish Hook Succulent – Senecio Radicans ‘Glauca’?

The Fish Hook Succulent is a drought-tolerant, fast-growing plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, like daisies and sunflowers, though it doesn’t resemble them much. What makes this plant unique is its semi-translucent, banana-shaped foliage that curves like a hook—hence the name.

Its botanical name, Senecio Radicans ‘Glauca’, refers to the slightly bluish-gray (glaucous) tint of the leaves. These trailing stems can grow over 3 feet long, making it perfect for cascading displays indoors or outdoors in warm climates.

How Do I Care for Fish Hook Succulent?

Taking care of this plant is easy if you follow a few basic rules:

Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Outdoors, filtered sun is ideal. Indoors, place it near a sunny window.
Water: Like most succulents, it prefers to dry out completely between waterings. I water mine every 10–14 days.
Soil: Use fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. Avoid soil that stays soggy.
Temperature: It thrives in 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid frost—it’s not cold hardy.
Humidity: Low to moderate. It hates wet leaves and high moisture.
Fertilizer: Feed once a month during spring and summer with a diluted succulent fertilizer.

How Is Fish Hook Succulent Different from String of Bananas?

This question comes up a lot. Fish Hook Succulent and String of Bananas (Senecio Radicans) are often confused because they are closely related. But there’s a clear difference I’ve noticed:

Fish Hook Succulent ‘Glauca’ has more bluish foliage with deeper curves.
String of Bananas has greener, more upright leaves shaped like bananas rather than hooks.
‘Glauca’ also appears more silvery under sunlight due to its waxy coating.

Both grow fast, trail beautifully, and have similar care needs. But if you want a cooler, silver-toned aesthetic, go with ‘Glauca’.

Can I Grow Fish Hook Succulent Indoors?

Absolutely. I’ve grown mine indoors for years. The key is light. Without enough bright light, the stems stretch (a process called etiolation) and lose their dense hook-like shape.

For best results:

Use a south- or west-facing window.
Consider a grow light during winter or in low-light homes.
Rotate the pot every week to keep growth even.

Good airflow and infrequent watering are essential indoors to prevent rot or pests like mealybugs or fungus gnats.

How Do I Propagate Fish Hook Succulent?

Propagation is one of my favorite things about this plant—it’s so easy. Here’s how I do it:

Cut a healthy stem about 4–6 inches long.
Let it callous for a day or two to prevent rot.
Place it on well-draining soil or lightly bury a few nodes.
Mist occasionally until roots form (usually within 2 weeks).
Then care for it like a mature plant.

It roots fast, especially in warm temperatures. I’ve had great success propagating it for gifts or for swapping with friends.

Does Fish Hook Succulent Flower?

Yes, it does! Fish Hook Succulent can bloom with small, white cinnamon-scented flowers, usually in late winter or early spring. I’ve only seen blooms a few times, and while they’re not as striking as the foliage, they’re a pleasant surprise. Flowering usually happens in mature plants under ideal lighting.

Can I Grow Fish Hook Succulent in Water?

This question pops up often in the context of propagation. The short answer: not recommended.

Succulents like Senecio Radicans ‘Glauca’ don’t like wet roots. Water propagation might lead to mushy stems and rot. Instead, I always root it in soil or even just lay it on top of dry soil and wait.

Is Fish Hook Succulent Toxic?

Yes. Like many Senecios, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to pets if ingested. I keep mine on high shelves and out of reach from curious cats and dogs. If you’re concerned about safety, choose a pet-friendly plant like Peperomia or Spider Plant.

How Does It Compare to String of Pearls?

String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) is more delicate in my experience. Its spherical leaves are stunning, but they require more careful watering and can be a bit finicky.

Fish Hook Succulent is tougher and more forgiving. If you’ve struggled with String of Pearls, I’d suggest giving ‘Glauca’ a try—it’s a lot easier to manage and grows faster.

Final Thoughts

The Fish Hook Succulent – Senecio Radicans ‘Glauca’ is a low-maintenance, elegant, and rewarding plant. I’ve enjoyed its unique shape, trailing habit, and drought tolerance. It’s perfect for succulent lovers, minimalists, and anyone looking to add texture to their plant collection.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, this plant offers plenty of charm with very little fuss.