Scientific Name
Kleinia petraea 'Variegata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Kleinia petraea (R.E.Fr.) C.Jeffrey
Common Name(s)
Variegated Trailing Jade
Synonym(s)
Kleinia petraea f. variegata, Senecio jacobsenii f. variegata, Senecio jacobsenii 'Variegata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Origin
Kleinia petraea 'Variegata' is a form of Kleinia petraea selected for its variegated foliage.
Description
Kleinia petraea 'Variegata', also known as Senecio jacobsenii 'Variegata', is a much-branched succulent with fleshy stems that bear green leaves with creamy white markings. The stems can grow along the soil or hang over the edges of the container, reaching up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length and about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. The leaves are fleshy and egg-shaped, measuring up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long and 1.3 inches (3.2 cm) wide. They overlap along the stems and blush an attractive purple color in winter.
The bright orange, rayless, composite flowers appear on erect stalks, usually in fall or winter, reaching up to 16 inches (40 cm) in height.
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 will 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 grow 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.
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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