Scientific Name
Senecio macroglossus DC.
Common Name(s)
Wax Ivy, Wax Vine, Natal Ivy, Flowering Ivy, Cape Ivy
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio
Description
Senecio macroglossus is an evergreen climber with smooth, thin, flexible branches that bear triangular or 5-pointed, ivy-like leaves. The branches grow up to 10 feet (3 m) long. When creeping along the ground, they sometimes develop roots at the nodes. Leaves are somewhat succulent, bright glossy green, and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long. Flowers are large, pale yellow, daisy-like, and appear mainly during summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °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 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. Using cuttings is an easier and faster method for 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.
Origin
This species is native to southern Africa, from Zimbabwe and Mozambique to eastern South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Senecio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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