Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Senecio
About Senecio
Genus
Senecio
Species
There are over 1,000 species in the Senecio genus. Examples include: Senecio cineraria (Dusty Miller) Senecio vulgaris (Common Groundsel) Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)
Family
Asteraceae
Common Names:
Ragwort, Groundsel
Native To:
Africa South America Europe Asia
Plant Type:
Houseplants
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 11
Flower Color:
White or purple flowers.
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to summer
Growth Habit:
Mounding, trailing
Attracts:
Bees Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought
Resists:
Deer
Where To Grow Senecio Indoors
Senecio is a broad genus of succulents prized for intriguing forms, from trailing strings to upright shrubs. With leaves that may appear beaded, banana-shaped, or tinted silvery blue, they appeal to collectors seeking unusual foliage. Many species are notably drought-tolerant, making them simple to maintain. Furthermore, their short-lived flowers sometimes appear in clusters, though the dramatic foliage is the main reason to grow them.
Inside, trailing varieties like string of pearls are ideal for hanging baskets or containers on shelves, letting their distinctive shapes cascade or spread elegantly. Outdoors, use them as groundcover in mild climates or mingle them among gravel and sandy soils for a desert-inspired effect. Taller shrub forms can anchor a dry garden bed, while smaller trailing types can soften walkway edges. In all cases, pairing them with cacti or other waterwise companions achieves a cohesive look.
Senecio Care
Senecio plants, known for their succulent nature, require well-draining sandy soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Plant them in containers with drainage holes, preferably terracotta or clay pots, to prevent root rot. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between watering sessions; typically, watering every 1 to 2 weeks suffices, with reduced frequency during winter. Position these plants in bright indirect to direct light, avoiding harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. Apply a low-strength, cacti-formulated fertilizer once annually during the growing season to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
These succulents adapt well in outdoor gardens if the climate is mild, favoring porous soil and partial to full sun exposure. Propagation is simplest by rooting small cuttings: allow the ends to callous, then nestle them into gritty potting mix with sparse watering. Root rot from excessive moisture is one of the biggest pitfalls, as the thick leaves and stems trap water readily. Occasional encounters with mealybugs or scale may also arise, especially when plants are kept overly damp.
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