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
Origin
Kleinia petraea is native to Kenya and Tanzania.
Description
Kleinia petraea, also known as Senecio jacobsenii, is a much-branched succulent with fleshy stems that grow along the soil or hang over the edges of the container, bearing green leaves often tinged purple, mauve, or brown. The stems grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. Leaves are erect or spreading, thick, fleshy, more or less egg-shaped, up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long, and up to 1.3 inches (3.2 cm) wide.
The bright orange, rayless, composite flowers usually appear on erect, up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall stalks in fall or winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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, nutrients need to be replenished. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can get floppy. You can prune them back to where the stem is firm in early spring. You can even root the cuttings.
Plants can be divided or repotted in early spring. If you are growing them in containers, they enjoy spending the summer outdoors. Wait until there is no danger of frost and move them back indoors in the fall.
Senecio can be grown from either seed or cuttings. Seeds prefer warm temperatures and constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, from early spring to fall. Root in sandy soil, in containers.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Forms
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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