In the big Senecio genus of over 1,000 types, there are about 100 succulents used as garden plants in warmer environments and as container-grown plants in other areas. Some are large shrub varieties, but numerous are tracking plants utilized as spreading out groundcovers or in hanging baskets. There are also upright types.
Some leaves are in variations: round, banana-shaped, and stand upright. The color of the leaves are deep green, bluish or striped. The flowers vary from white or red spires to yellow daisy-like flowers, forming clusters on long stems and continuing for weeks.
The best time to plant Senecio is in the early fall, before the new growth duration begins.
All Senecio species must be thought about hazardous to animals and people.
Common Names: Senecio (varies by species)
Botanical Name: Senecio spp.
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Perennial, succulent
Mature Size: 5 in.-3 ft.
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Sandy
Soil pH: Neutral
Bloom Time: Varies by species
Flower Color: Varies by species
Hardiness Zones: 9-12 (USDA)
Native Area: South Africa
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
How To Care For Senecio – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Usually the growing conditions for Senecio plants grown outdoors year-round in warm climates are similar to those of potted plants. Developed plants are exceptionally drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Light – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
In hot environments, the plants choose bright indirect light whereas in cooler environments, they should get full sun.
Soil – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
The plants aren’t specific about soil pH and do fine in the neutral range (6.0– 7.0). More significantly, make sure the soil is well-drained and on the sandy side. For potted plants, utilize a fast-draining succulent or cactus soil mix.
Water – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
As succulents, these plants have exceptional tolerance for dry spell. For many types, permit the roots to dry out totally between waterings. Soaking in water will cause the plants and roots to turn mushy.
Temperature And Humidity – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Most ranges flourish in USDA Strength Zones 9 to 12. Majority of Senecio species are heat-tolerant. A couple of Senecio species can stand up to quick durations of cold or wetness, however extended direct exposure to cold will turn them to mush.
Fertilizer – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Considering that Senecio plants grow in sandy soil, the nutrients will need to be renewed. Fertilize annually, however gently. Excessive fertilizer can trigger an abundance of leggy growth.
Senecio Species Types – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
There are many lots of succulent Senecio species. These are some popular varieties:
Lavender steps, propeller plant (S. crassissimus): This low maintenance variety is a simple grower that can handle some frost. It includes bluish, flattened leaves on an upright plant. It grows 18 to 24 inches high with an 18-inch spread and is durable in USDA zones 10 to 11.
Cocoon plant (S. haworthii): “Cocoon” refers to the shape of the gray leaves, which form a prostrate bush however do require periodic renewal. This plant is hardy in USA zones 9 to 11 and can grow between 1 foot up to 3 feet high.
String of bananas (S. radicans): This variety is more tolerant of shade and wetness. It includes puffing, crescent moon-shaped leaves that punctuate long stems. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12 and can grow 6 to 12 inches tall.
String of beads, string of pearls (S. rowleyanus): This plant is consisted of hanging stems of round leaves and does well with very little watering. It is a trailing plant that can stretch 3 to 5 feet and is sturdy in zones 9 to 12. It is often utilized in hanging baskets.
Blue Chalksticks (S. Serpens): This variety grows 12 to 18 inches tall with an interval spread of 18 to 24 inches and is durable in zones 10 to 11. It has short, steel-blue, tubular leaves.
Blue Chalksticks (S. mandraliscae) is similar to S. serpens however a more energetic grower with pencil-like leaves.
Lavender actions, prop plant (S. crassissimus): This low upkeep range is a simple grower that can deal with some frost. String of bananas (S. radicans): This range is more tolerant of shade and moisture. String of beads, string of pearls (S. rowleyanus): This plant is made up of hanging stems of round leaves and does well with very little watering.
How To Prune Senecio – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Aside from eliminating unhealthy or dead foliage, Senecio does not need much pruning. To prevent floppiness in taller ranges, you can prune them back to where the stem is firm.
How To Propagate Senecio – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Rooting cuttings is the easiest and fastest method to propagate Senecio plants. This is best done during the growing season between fall and spring, While the size of the cutting depends upon the species, the general procedure is the generally the same as for planting succulent cuttings:
Take a cutting and let it callous over for a couple of days.
Apply rooting hormone onto the cutting and repot it inside a container filled with well-draining potting mix.
Start watering only as soon as roots have actually developed.
Growing Senecio From Seed – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Since Senecio is so easy to propagate from cuttings, it is the most commonly practiced propagation method. Senecio is seldom offered as seeds.
How To Pot And Repot Senecio – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Smaller sized varieties of Senecio grow well in containers, either integrated with other plants or alone. Use a fast-draining succulent or cactus soil mix and plant it in a pot with good drainage holes, preferably terra-cotta or unglazed ceramic.
The requirement for repotting depends on the development rate of the variety. When roots begin to outgrow from the drainage holes or when the roots fill up the pot, then do repotting.
How To Take Care Of Senecio During Winter – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
In colder environments, potted Senecio plants require to be brought inside during the winter season. Offer the plants the brightest, sunniest area you can find and water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Don’t Let Pests And Diseases Ruin Your Senecio – Caring For Your Succulent Senecio Plants
Couple of bugs bother Senecio plants, but they can sometimes be affected by scale and mealybugs. If this occurs, attempt treating with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
