In its native habitat of southwestern Africa, senecio grows as a ground cover alongside other succulents and drought-tolerant plants. In this desert climate, it receives full sun for more than 8 hours a day. To replicate its natural setting, provide senecio with bright sun exposure. Growing sun-loving plants indoors can be a bit tricky, especially during the darker winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun is lower in the sky. To keep your plant happy, you may need to use supplemental grow lights and cut back on watering during the winter. Read on to learn more tips on growing senecio indoors.
Best Rooms To Grow Senecio
South-facing rooms are the best location to grow all varieties of senecio. Southern exposures often have the brightest, most intense sunlight, but too much sunlight can be damaging. Protect your plant from sunburn in the summer by placing it a few feet back from the window or hanging it across the room. East-facing windows or west-facing windows are ideal for growing senecio during the spring and summer months. You can hang the plant directly in the window with no curtains or blinds to filter the light.
Providing Supplemental Sunlight To Senecio
Specialized grow lights may be required if you do not have a sunny window. The best grow lights are LED, as they provide full-spectrum light while staying cool to the touch, resulting in less damage to the foliage. You can also move your plant outside during the warmer summer months if you lack a sunny location in your house or apartment.
Sunlight Needed For Growing Senecio Outdoors
Senecio will require some protection from direct sunlight when it is moved outside for the summer months. The sunlight outdoors is much more intense than the light indoors. Moving your plant outdoors is like walking outside on a sunny day after being in a dark movie theater. The foliage will bleach and scorch if the plant is not gradually acclimated over a week or so. Even then, your plant will do best in part sun or dappled sun on a porch or patio. Senecio will appreciate shelter during the hottest part of the day.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 12-21-2023 |