Senecio scaposus - Woolly Senecio

Scientific Name

Senecio scaposus DC.

Common Names

Woolly Senecio

Synonyms

Senecio scaposus var. scaposus, Cacalia tomentosa, Senecio calamifolius

Scientific Classification

Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Senecio

Description

Senecio scaposus is a stemless or nearly stemless small succulent plant, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, with up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, fleshy, banana-shaped, bright silvery-white leaves that angle upward in tufts. The showy, yellow, daisy flowers are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) across and appear in summer.

Photo via hiveminer.com

How to Grow and Care

Established plants 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 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.