Senecio: A Guide for Beginners
What is Senecio?
Senecio is a genus of plants with over 1,000 species. About 100 of these species are succulents, which are plants that store water in their fleshy leaves and stems. Senecio succulents can be trailing, spreading groundcovers, or large, shrubby plants. They are known for their interesting shapes and textures, and some varieties even produce beautiful flowers.
Senecio Plant Info
Senecio succulents are popular indoor plants in areas with cool winters. They can also be grown outdoors in warm climates. When grown indoors, they are often displayed in hanging baskets, with their long, trailing stems cascading over the sides.
Some popular varieties of senecio succulents include string of pearls and string of bananas. Other varieties, such as groundsel and tansy ragwort, are more commonly found growing wild.
Senecio plants typically have yellow, sunflower-like blooms, but some varieties may produce purple or white flowers. The leaves can be deep green, bluish green, or variegated.
Toxicity of Senecio Plants
It is important to note that senecio plants are toxic to both humans and animals. The sap can cause severe skin irritation, and the pollen can affect honey produced by bees that forage on the blooms. Ingestion of senecio plants can cause fatal liver disease in livestock, especially if consumed in large amounts or over a long period of time.
Growing Senecio Succulents
Senecio succulents are relatively easy to grow, making them a good choice for beginners. Here are some tips for growing healthy senecio plants:
- Light: Senecio succulents need bright light, but they should be protected from hot and cold drafts.
- Soil: Senecio succulents prefer sandy, well-drained soil. They are prone to rot in soggy conditions.
- Water: Senecio succulents are drought tolerant and should be watered sparingly, especially during the winter. Always let the soil dry out completely between watering.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize your senecio succulents lightly once a year during spring or summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy, unsightly growth.
- Propagation: Starting a new senecio plant is easy. Simply plant a leaf or two in a container with a mix of potting soil and sand.
Benefits of Senecio Plants
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, senecio plants can also provide some benefits. For example, some varieties of senecio are known to have medicinal properties. They have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, burns, and skin infections.
Conclusion
Senecio plants are a diverse and interesting group of plants that can add beauty and interest to any home or garden. With proper care, senecio succulents can thrive for many years.