Senecio is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family. They are a large genus of plants with more than 1,250 varieties. Normally, they have small flowering heads that are clustered together on the branches. They come in green, yellow, white, blue, and purple. Here are a few of our favorite types of Senecio succulents.
1. Barberton groundsel (Senecio barbertonicus)
This evergreen succulent shrub is native to South Africa. It is very drought resistant and has clusters of golden flowers that are tufted and sweet-smelling. They are very attractive to many butterfly species, such as the painted lady butterfly. It grows 6 feet tall and has fleshy green finger-like branches. The branches and leaves grow densely on the bush, and the yellow flowers are upright facing and nearly 1 inch long.
2. Woolly Senecio (Senecio haworthii)
This perennial succulent can be grown indoors or outdoors like a small shrub. It is native to South Africa and has hairy leaves that feel like soft felt. The leaves are very easy to root, so if you want a lot of free plants, this one is for you. It prefers sandy soil, infrequent water, and full sunshine. It is also nicknamed Cocoon Plant because of its fuzzy texture.
3. Swizzle Sticks (Senecio anteuphorbium)
Swizzle Sticks is a small shrub that stands erect and may reach up to 5 feet tall. It has rounded stems that are gray-green and sword-like leaves. It produces white flowers in winter and is cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 40°F. This plant prefers Mediterranean and tropical climates, but high humidity can be dangerous to it. Water less often as it can retain water in its leaves, and excessive moisture can damage the roots. Swizzle Sticks grows quickly and prefers partial or full sun. Water it moderately throughout the year, and propagate at any time.
4. Candle Plant (Senecio articulatus)
This plant is also called the sausage plant and hot dog cactus. It is a perennial native to South Africa. The candle plant has green-gray stems with green marks close to the bottom, reaching up to 2 feet tall. It is cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as 45°F, but should be brought indoors during winter. It is drought-tolerant and should be fertilized during early spring. Use succulent potting soil for growing in pots.
5. Angel Wings (Senecio canadicans)
Senecio canadicans is a relatively new variety with an attractive shape and unique color. It is silvery white, and the leaves have a downy velvety texture. Its yellowish flowers and foliage color make it a popular variety to grow, and it can handle temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant in well-draining garden soil and provide sufficient space when growing in a container. They grow best under full sun and cannot withstand heavy clay soil. Propagate by taking cuttings of young shoots in late summer and rooting them in water or soil.
6. Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
Commonly known as Dusty Miller or Silver Dust, this is a half-hardy annual variety of Senecio succulent mainly found in the Mediterranean area. It grows up to 24 inches tall and produces cream or yellowish flowers. Its leaves are covered with silver-grey fleece. Place under full sun to encourage growth and avoid shady areas. It is highly drought-tolerant and can withstand arid conditions, so only water it when the topsoil seems dry. Feed with a liquid fertilizer every month to encourage new growth.
7. String of Lemons (Senecio citriformis)
Commonly known as String of Lemons, Senecio citriformis is easily identifiable due to its lemon-shaped leaves, which range in color between green and blue. It can grow as tall as 4 feet and produces pompom-like flowers during the blooming period. It is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and children. This succulent can withstand temperatures as low as 42°F but may not survive a hard frost. It is drought-tolerant, so water less often and plant in well-drained soil to remove excess moisture. It grows fast if given the right amount of fertilizer. Use a liquid fertilizer during the growing period.
8. Blue Chalk Stick (Senecio ficoides)
This plant has many names, including Silver Senecio and Flat-Leaved Senecio. It is an evergreen plant that may grow up to 3 feet tall. Its gray leaves have a waxy cover and small cream-colored flower heads at the end of the branches. Under direct sunlight, the leaves may turn a pale blue color. It requires a well-draining, neutral potting mix and moderate water from spring to fall. Propagation is easy and done by stem cuttings.
9. String of Tears (Senecio herreianus)
Also called the String of Tears, Senecio herreianus is a low-growing, trailing plant native to South Africa. It may grow over 1 foot long and has purple to green colored stems with leaves resembling raindrops or teardrops. The string of tears produces white furry flowers shaped like daisies. It prefers bright light, but not too much midday sun, and is drought-resistant, so don’t overwater it. It will bloom if its requirements are met. Try growing it in hanging baskets to beautify your garden.
10. Trailing Jade (Senecio jacobsenii)
Commonly known as trailing jade or weeping jade, Senecio jacobsenii is native to Kenya and Tanzania. It can be grown in hanging baskets and has thick stems that reach 4 feet long. The smooth, upright leaves are tolerant of cool temperatures and bright sunlight. It blooms orange-colored flowers that look like paintbrushes during the winter and can tolerate 40°F. The potting soil should include perlite, gravel, and coarser materials to improve drainage, and it is heat tolerant, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. Only water it when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
11. Spear Head (Senecio kleiniiformis)
This is a succulent species suitable for warm and cool climates and is easy to maintain due to its few requirements. It grows slowly and produces attractive yellow flowers in early fall and summer. Identify it by its triangular spear-like leaves. Grow it in well-drained, sandy soil, allowing the top 2-inch of the soil to dry thoroughly before watering. Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
12. String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus)
Called String of Dolphins, due to its dolphin-like leaves and stems, is one of the most beautiful species of Senecio. It blooms with pompom-like white flowers. Grow in plastic pots or hanging baskets, ensuring the soil is sandy and well-drained, and water when the soil looks dry. Prune the stems occasionally to encourage new growth. Keep away from frost, as prolonged exposure can cause death. It’s heat tolerant but cannot withstand soggy conditions.
13. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)
Known as Fishhook Senecio or String of Bananas, it is a trailing, perennial succulent with long stems and deep green leaves. It can be grown inside or outside and can reach 3 feet in length. The plant blooms with yellow, lavender, or white flowers that smell like cinnamon and spice. All parts of this species are toxic, so keep them out of reach of pets and children.Â
Summary of 13 Types of Senecio Succulents
Here’s a recap of the 13 succulents in the Senecio genus that we took a look at.
Number | Succulent Common Name | Scientific Name |
---|---|---|
1 | Barberton groundsel | Senecio barbertonicus |
2 | Woolly Senecio | Senecio haworthii |
3 | Swizzle Sticks | Senecio anteuphorbium |
4 | Candle Plant | Senecio articulatus |
5 | Angel Wings | Senecio canadicans |
6 | Dusty Miller | Senecio cineraria |
7 | String of Lemons | Senecio citriformis |
8 | Blue Chalk Stick | Senecio ficoides |
9 | String of Tears | Senecio herreianus |
10 | Trailing Jade | Senecio jacobsenii |
11 | Spade Head | Senecio kleiniiformis |
12 | String of Dolphins | Senecio peregrinus |
13 | String of Bananas | Senecio radicans |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Dima Berlin
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Senecio genus?
Senecio is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family. They are a large genus of plants with over 1,250 varieties. Normally, they have small flowering heads that are clustered together on the branches. They come in green, yellow, white, blue, and purple.
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