Aren’t we all suckers for some succulent plants in our houses? If this made you smile, you are likely eager to know more about the steps for caring for and nurturing succulent plants.
Succulents are a part of the vast daisy family genus. The Senecio, its botanical name, has over 1000 Senecio species spread out globally!
These species range from pointless weeds to highly regarded perennials for the garden. There is much variety in the succulent Senecio.
Take the leaves, for example. The Senecio succulents have thick and fleshy leaves. These leaves are distinctive; some are deep green while others are bluish. Some are even striped.
How Do I Care For Such A Plant?
An excellent place to start would be to know which variety of Senecio plants you like. The Senecio succulents are perennial garden plants.
Commonly found in households is the Senecio Crassissimus. Blue-green leaves identify the Senecio Crassissimus with purple margins.
Other names for this variety are:
- Lavender steps
- Propeller plant
- Vertical leaf
- Vertical leaf Senecio
The leaves are flat and can change direction, a phenomenon that serves them well in the scorching heat of their native Madagascar.
The name Propeller plant comes from the leaves, which are flat and shaped like the propeller on a plane.
Succulents are drought-tolerant plants that come from a habitat of extreme heat. These plants also need excellent drainage.
If temperatures in your area drop below the normal range in winter, bring them inside.
What Lighting Is Best For Senecio Crassissimus?
If you live in a warm climate and are planting the Senecio Crassissimus outdoors, place it where it will receive ample indirect sunlight.
If you live in a frigid temperature zone, use containers. But remember, the Senecio Crassissimus loves some direct sunlight when there is no risk of frost.
They like bright but indirect sunlight. In the winter, place them in areas with the most radiant sunlight exposure.
What Soil Is Best For Senecio Crassissimus?
This plant is drought-friendly and used to extreme exposure to heat. Be sure to have well-draining soil with sand, as that is where the Senecio Crassissimus grows best.
The Senecio Crassissimus is not so fussy regarding the soil’s ph levels. Anything in the neutral zone of ph 6 to ph 7 should be fine.
Watering Senecio Crassissimus
Native to Madagascar, Senecio Crassissimus learned in nature to survive prolonged periods with no to very little hydration. Thus you must ensure that you do not overwater your plants.
Drain the water in the soil before watering again; if not, the plant will become mushy and lose rigidity. Allow the roots to dehydrate before the next watering.
What Is Senecio Crassissimus’ Thriving Temperature?
The Senecio family survives best in the hardiness zone 10a to 11b. They can withstand high temperatures and heat.
Some Senecios can tolerate cold weather, but not for a prolonged period. In excessive cold and moist conditions, the plant becomes mushy.
Care Tips For Popular Senecio Varieties
- Senecio Angel Wings Care
- Senecio Stapeliiformis Pickle Plant Care
- Senecio Herreianus String Of Tears Care
- Senecio Haworthii Cocoon Plant Care
What Else Is There To Take Care Of?
Since the proper growing soil mix is a sandy soil mix, it will need replenishing of the nutrients. Do this by using fertilizers, but only once a year and in a controlled amount.
The propagation of the Senecio Crassissimus is very easy. In the growing season, cut one of the stems when you prune the plant and replant it in a different pot with sandy soil. This way, you can have your own nursery in no time.
Please beware of the plant’s toxicity. All Senecios are toxic, so handle them with gloves while tending to it.
Ingestion of leaves can cause fatal liver disease if the quantity of consumption is high over a long time.