Scientific Name
Senecio kleiniiformis Suess.
Common Name(s)
Spear Head, Spear Head Senecio, Reindeer Antlers
Synonym(s)
Kleinia kleiniiformis, Senecio kleiniaeformis, Senecio cuneatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Etymology
The specific epithet "kleiniiformis" (pronounced "kline-ee-eye-FOR-miss") means "having the form of Kleinia". It refers to the resemblance of this species to the plants in the genus Kleinia.
Origin
It seems that Senecio kleiniiformis is native to South Africa, but its true origin is unclear, as some botanists note that it has not yet been found in the wild and is likely a hybrid. Senecio oxyriifolius subsp. tropaeolifolius may be one of its parents.
Description
Senecio kleiniiformis is a slow-growing succulent with trailing or ascending branches and soft, fleshy leaves. It can reach 12 inches (30 cm) in height. The branches are rooting, with visible leaf scars, and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The leaves can reach 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. They are tapering, with a wedge-shaped petiole and a spatulate or triangular pointed tip with 3 to 5 acute lobes, channeled and V-shaped in cross-section, and keeled underneath. In some cases, the leaves may be shorter and spoon-shaped.
The flowers are pale yellow or whitish and appear at the end of summer and early fall.
How to Grow and Care for Senecio kleiniiformis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Established Senecios are extremely drought-tolerant. They do 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, they will need to be replenished with nutrients. Fertilize annually, but lightly. Too much fertilizer can cause excessive 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 and constant moisture to germinate. Cuttings are easier and faster. Cut during the growing season, from early spring to fall. Root them 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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