Scientific Name
Senecio crassissimus Humbert
Common Name(s)
Lavender Steps, Propeller Plant, Vertical Leaf, Vertical Leaf Senecio
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Origin
Senecio crassissimus is native to Madagascar. It occurs in south-central Madagascar between Betroka and Ihosy.
Description
Senecio crassissimus is a small succulent shrub with erect, fleshy, greyish-green to purple stems that hold glaucous leaves with purple margins facing outwards. It can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall and 18 inches (45 cm) wide. The leaves are flattened, obovate, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide, and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick.
The yellow flowers appear in a loose cluster on branched stalks that rise from the stem tips from mid-summer to winter. The flower stalks can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.
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. Using cuttings is an easier and faster method of propagation. 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 Senecio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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