Scientific Name
Senecio candicans Wall. ex DC.
Common Name(s)
Sea Cabbage
Synonym(s)
Cacalia sarmentosa, Cineraria sarmentosa, Senecio campylodes var. candicans
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Description
Senecio candicans is a clump-forming succulent with unbranched, erect to ascending stems that bear broad, ovate, silvery-white leaves with serrated margins. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The leaves can reach up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide and are attached to the stems by up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) long petioles.
The flowers are yellow-orange and appear in flat terminal clusters in the summer.
Origin
The native range of Senecio candicans from southern Chile southeast along the Straits of Magellan across Argentina to the Falkland Islands.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Established plants 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 the 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 very 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 (55˚F / 13˚C). And constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, early spring to fall. Root in sandy soil, in containers.
Few pests bother Senecio. They can occasionally be affected by scale and mealy bugs. Rabbits found my String of Pearls quite tasty.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Senecio.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Senecio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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