Scientific Name
Kleinia semperviva DC.
Synonym(s)
Senecio sempervivus, Cacalia sempervirens, Cacalia semperviva, Notonia semperviva
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Kleinia
Origin
Kleinia semperviva is native to Yemen.
Description
Kleinia semperviva, also known as Senecio sempervivus, is a succulent shrub with a conspicuously swollen base and prostrate, usually purplish stems that bear fleshy, flat leaves. It can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. The leaves are pale bluish-green, somewhat flushed with purple, and covered in a powdery bloom. They can measure up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long and 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide.
The fragrant pinkish-purple flowers appear in heads rising above the foliage on stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
Kleinia semperviva is uncommon in cultivation, with most cultivated plants being Kleinia semperviva subsp. grantii, which has red flowers.
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 grow in sandy soil, nutrients must be replenished. Fertilize annually but lightly. Too much fertilizer will cause a lot of leggy growth.
Taller varieties can get floppy. In very early spring, you can prune them back to where the stem is firm, or 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, but cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, from early spring to fall, and 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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