Scientific Name
Kleinia petraea (R.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey
Common Name(s)
Trailing Jade, Vining Jade, Weeping Jade
Synonym(s)
Notonia petraea, Notoniopsis petraea, Senecio jacobsenii, Senecio petraeus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Etymology
The specific epithet "petraea" (pronounced "pet-RAY-uh") means "that grows (or lives) in rocky places" and refers to the natural habitat of this species.
Origin
Kleinia petraea is native to the highlands of Kenya and Tanzania. It occurs at elevations ranging from 4,265 to 8,040 feet (1,300 to 2,450 m) above sea level.
Description
Kleinia petraea, also known as Senecio jacobsenii, is a highly branched succulent with fleshy stems that grow along the soil or hang over the edges of the container. The stems bear green leaves often with a purple, mauve, or brown tinge. They can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. The leaves are erect or spreading, more or less egg-shaped, measuring up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in length and 1.3 inches (3.2 cm) in width.
The bright orange, rayless composite flowers usually appear in fall or winter on erect stalks that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall.
Forms of Kleinia petraea
How to Grow and Care for Kleinia petraea
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Established Senecios are extremely drought-tolerant. They need some water during the summer, but do not leave the soil wet for prolonged periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in winter when they are somewhat dormant. Since they are growing in sandy soil, the plants need to be replenished with nutrients. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Excessive fertilizer application can lead to excessive leggy growth.
Taller varieties can become floppy. In early spring, prune them back to a firm stem or root the cuttings.
In early spring, you can also divide or repot plants. If you grow them in containers, they enjoy spending the summer outdoors. In the fall, wait until there is no danger of frost before moving them back indoors.
Senecio plants can be propagated by either seeds or cuttings. The seeds prefer warm temperatures and consistent moisture for germination, while cuttings are easier and faster to root. To take cuttings, do so during the growing season. Root the cuttings in sandy soil within containers.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Links
- Back to genus Kleinia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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