Senecio Succulents: Varieties, Photos, and Care Tips

This article delves into all the common types of Senecio succulents you’re likely to find at your local garden store. Which Senecio species are best suited for your home? Read on to find out!

About Senecio

Senecio (Senecio spp.) is a huge and varied genus of flowering plants that contains around 1,250 species. This makes it one of the largest genera of flowering plants.

Most Senecio succulent types are native to Africa, with only a small number found in other parts of the world. However, this is one of the only genera that have species endemic to every Mediterranean landscape in the world.

Their habitats circle the world, including deserts, grasslands, and rainforests. A number of species are succulents; adapted to dry conditions.

The Senecio genus includes a huge range of plant types, from small herbs to large shrubs and trees. The leaves can be simple or lobed, and the flowers may be white, yellow, pink, purple, or any color in-between.

Main Characteristics

Common Name	Varies
Botanical Name	Senecio spp.
Family	Asteraceae
Type	Flowering Plant
Native Range	Various
USDA Hardiness Zones	9 to 11 (In general)
Mature Size	Height: 2-12 feet; Spread: 2-12 feet
Foliage	Evergreen
Propagation methods	by cuttings, by seeds
Sun	Full sun to part shade
Soil	Well–drained

What Does Senecio Mean?

The name “Senecio” comes from Latin, meaning “old man.” This is a reference to the hairy structures on the seeds of some Senecio species, which are thought to resemble an old man’s beard.

Taxonomy

The Senecio genus is a significant member of the Asteraceae or daisy family. This family contains a huge variety of annuals, biennials, and perennials.

Senecio is not monophyletic, i.e., meaning that they do not share a common ancestor. Most of the different types of Senecio have been placed in the genus due to the physical similarities between the species. If a person saw that X plant looked similar to Y plant and the Y plant is in the Senecio genus, they placed the X plant in Senecio as well.

This type of informal classification is rampant in the early stages of biological classification, and we’re still feeling the effects today.

The goal is to divide the different Senecio types into study-based groups and divisions so that each species in a group is closely related to the other members, and you’re left with a monophyletic genus.

However, these types of studies require time and money, both in short supply at the moment.

Separation of the Curio Genus

The Curio genus is a recent development that separated 20 of the most notable Senecio species into their own separate genus. This is a leap forward.

But it has resulted in confusion or outright refusal to accept the new development among amateur gardeners. And since these are mostly Senecio succulent types that are chiefly used as ornamental plants, this trend has resulted in some difficulties.

Most notable examples of the Senecio succulent types that have been relocated to the Curio genus are:

• Senecio rowleyanus (String of Beads)
• Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks)
• Senecio radicans (String of Bananas)
• Senecio ficoides (Skyscraper Senecio)

What Is Senecio Used For?

Ornamental Plants

The vast majority of Senecio succulent types are grown for ornamental purposes. They are garden plants used to add color and variety to landscapes.

This is especially true for the succulent varieties that are commonly used as houseplants. However, some species are also used in landscaping or public gardens.

A good example of this is the “blue chalk sticks” (Senecio serpens), which is a popular groundcover plant in Southern California.

Traditional Medicine

A small number of Senecio species are also used medicinally. These plants have been used as herbal medicine for centuries, and some have sbeen shown to have real therapeutic effects.

One such example is the North American species Packera aurea, formerly known as Senecio aureus, or Life Root. It is also called Golden Ragwort in many circles. It was widely used by Native Americans to treat reproductive complications in females. In some cases, males too.

It is generally advised against in modern medicine due to the high concentration of toxic chemicals found in the species.

Food Plants

A few types of Senecio are used as food plants by larvae of butterflies and moths. They serve their part in the ecosystem.

Tea Making

There are some indications that Senecio riddellii might be used in some types of herbal teas but nothing definitive.

How to Identify a Senecio?

Identifying a Senecio can be difficult for the average person because there are over 1,000 species in the genus.

The best way to identify a Senecio is by its flowers. They are usually small and daisy-like, with ray florets arranged in a circle around disc florets. And they tend to grow in clusters.

Another identifying feature of many Senecio species is their hairy seeds. These structures, called pappi, are composed of fine hairs that help the plant disperse its seeds in the wind.

However, none of these identifiers can convincingly tell you whether or not a plant belongs to the Senecio genus or not. An alternate method must be found.

Since Senecio is such a large genus and it’s not even monophyletic, identification is quite difficult. Even experienced experts sometimes have trouble identifying some types of Senecio.

To simplify matters, it’s wise to separate Senecio plants into groups that share some key characteristic that makes them easy to identify. Broadly speaking, Senecio plants can be divided into these groups.

Trailing Senecio

These are the plants that have long, trailing stems with small, succulent leaves. They are the most popular Senecio succulent types that are grown as houseplants. When looking for an addition to your garden, you’re most likely to come across one of these beauties.

Notable examples include:

• String of Beads (Senecio rowleyanus)
• String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)
• String of Watermelons (Senecio herreanus)

Note that other than some exceptions (Senecio macroglossus), most of the trailing plants in this group have been reclassified as belonging to the new genus, Curio.

Shrub Senecio

These are succulent plants with shrubby growth habits. They tend to be multi-stemmed with leaves that are arranged in an opposite pattern. The stems tend to be weighted down by their own weight as they’re not woody but succulent, i.e., they have less ability to bear weight.

Some notable examples of Senecio shrubs include:

• Senecio anteuphorbium (Swizzle Sticks)
• Senecio barbertonicus (Succulent Bush Senecio)
• Senecio crassissimus (Vertical Leaf Senecio)

Blue Senecio

True to their name, these plants have blue leaves. The blue color is a result of the presence of an abundance of water-storing vacuoles in their leaves. This type of leaf pigmentation is quite rare in the plant kingdom, and it’s one of the reasons these plants are so popular among gardeners.

These types of Senecio succulents are mostly used as a groundcover as they have a habit of spreading easily. And their blue color contrasts quite nicely against the natural greens that are mostly present in the garden.

Some notable examples of blue Senecio include:

• Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
• Senecio serpens (Also called Blue Chalksticks)
• Senecio ficoides (Big Blue Chalksticks)

Wooly White Senecio

These types of plants are so named because of the presence of fine white hairs on their leaves and stems. The hairs help the plant to trap moisture in hot, dry conditions.

However, the presence of these hairs also makes them quite popular as houseplants as they tend to stand out a lot when paired with other plants.

Some notable examples of wooly white Senecio include:

• Senecio haworthii (Cocoon plant)
• Senecio scaposus (Silver Spider)

Senecio Photo Gallery

How To Care For Senecio Plants

When it comes to caring for a Senecio plant, the most important thing to remember is that they are succulents. This means that they have special water needs that must be met in order to ensure their health.

If you’ve ever cared for a succulent, chances are, you’ll be perfectly comfortable caring for any of the Senecio succulent types. And since those types of Senecio are the only ones used as indoor houseplants, it works out perfectly.

Light

All Senecio succulents need a lot of sunlight. This is especially true for succulent Senecios. However, direct and intense sunlight can be harmful and burn the leaves.

It’s a balancing act between providing the plant with enough light that it flourishes but not so much that it gets a sunburn.

Generally speaking, a Senecio plant will enjoy bright, indirect sunlight. However, there are some types of Senecio that can tolerate full sun, such as the blue Senecio. If you’re not sure whether your plant enjoys full sun or not, it’s best to not take any chances and provide it with bright, indirect light.

Even if your Senecio plant type doesn’t want direct sunlight, it still wants to be placed somewhere bright and sunny that gets plenty of indirect light. Don’t place your Senecio succulents in deep shade if you want them to survive.

Soil

All Senecio plants need well-draining potting soil. This is especially important for succulent Senecios as they are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

There are two ways to achieve a well-draining potting mix:

You can either make your own by mixing together equal parts of perlite, coarse sand, and potting soil.

Or you can buy a premade cactus potting mix from your local nursery or garden center.

The takeaway is that the potting mix you use drains quickly and doesn’t hold on to moisture for too long.

Watering

As with all succulents, Senecio succulents need to be watered deeply but infrequently. This means that you should allow the potting soil to dry out completely between watering.

How often you need to water your Senecio plant will depend on a few factors, such as the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the climate. Most Senecio succulents are drought tolerant.

In general, small pots will need to be watered more frequently than large pots. And plants grown in hot, dry climates will need to be watered more frequently than those grown in cooler climates.

If you’re not sure whether your Senecio needs water or not, it’s always best to wait a few extra days before watering. It’s much easier to revive a dried-out plant than it is to save a drowning one.

Temperature

Most Senecio plants enjoy warm temperatures and can’t tolerate cold weather. They should be kept above 50°F (10°C) at all times for the best results.

In terms of USDA, most Senecio succulent types that you might end up using as houseplants fall somewhere between USDA zones 9-11. Some outliers go as low as zone 6, but they’re mostly noxious weeds that are more invasive than ornamental.

If you live in constant frost or snow, take note that Senecio plants grow best indoors when they are protected from the cold weather. Temperature-regulated rooms like greenhouses can be used for overwintering.

Most Senecio types are native to warmer regions, and their cultivation requirements reflect that.

Fertilizer

Senecio plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually be harmful.

To fertilize your plant, use a succulent or cactus fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. At most, fertilize once a month during the growing season and then stop fertilizing altogether during the winter months.

Pruning

Senecio plants don’t require a lot of pruning. In fact, most types only need to be pruned if they become leggy or overgrown.

If you do need to prune your Senecio plant, always use sharp, clean shears. Make sure to prune away any dead or dying leaves, stems, or flowers.

You can also use pruning as a means to encourage your plant to grow in a certain direction. Simply prune away any unwanted growth, and your plant will eventually start growing in the direction you want it to.

Propagation

Senecio plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from the desired plant and allow the cutting to callus over for a few days.

Once the cutting has callused, pot it up in well-draining succulent soil and water it deeply. Keep the soil moist, not wet, and soon enough, you’ll see new growth appearing.

Seeds are also a viable method of propagation for many Senecio species, but this method is usually harder than cuttings. It also has a lower chance of success and takes longer to achieve results.

Common Senecio Problems

One of the most common problems with Senecio plants is root rot. This can happen if the plant is sitting in water for too long or if the soil doesn’t drain well. A glaring sign that your plant is suffering from rot is mushy leaves and stems. Check regularly to make sure nothing is amiss.

To avoid this problem, make sure to plant your Senecio in a well-draining potting mix and only water it when you’re certain the soil has completely dried out. If you catch root rot early enough, you might be able to save the plant by repotting it in fresh, dry soil.

Another common problem with Senecio plants is mealybugs. These pests are sapsucker that drain the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.

If you suspect that your Senecio succulent has mealybugs, quarantine it immediately. Mealybugs can spread quickly and infect other plants in your collection.

To get rid of these pests completely, you can either use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or you can purchase an insecticide specifically designed to kill mealybugs.

Are Senecio Plants Toxic?

All Senecio are considered toxic for animals like horses and cattle. Senecio plants contain Pyrrolizidine alkaloids which serve the function of driving away grazing animals from eating these succulent plants as they eat.

As a result, most grazing animals prefer to stay away from Senecio plants if they can help it, but curious animals might end up getting poisoned regardless. Continued exposure or ingestion can cause permanent liver damage, so be careful!

If you’re planning on growing a Senecio plant indoors, keep away from pets at all times. All parts of these plants are toxic, so even the clean-up needs to be quick and efficient if you have a pet in the house. Fallen leaves contain just as many toxins as live ones.

Popular Senecio Succulent Types For Indoors

Senecio succulent types only make up about 10 percent of all the species in the genus. And these types of Senecio are mostly what make up the portions of Senecio that are widely cultivated as houseplants or ornamental plants.

Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks)

The Senecio serpens (syn. Curio repens) (Blue Chalksticks) is a small, succulent plant native to South Africa. It gets its common name from the blue-gray color of its cylindrical leaves, which resemble sticks of chalk. The plant grows by spreading its roots along the ground, where new rosettes of blue glaucous leaves emerge seemingly overnight.

Blue Chalksticks’ primary attraction is its beautiful foliage, which is a powdery blue-gray color. The leaves are long and slender, almost finger-like, giving the plant a delicate look. The flowers are white and somewhat inconspicuous. They appear in summer or early autumn and are followed by black seeds.

Senecio serpens’ gorgeous blue foliage serves best as groundcover for the most stunning results, but it can function just as well within the confines of a pot. You’ll just have to make do without a sea of blue-green in your garden beds.

• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6°C)

Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

The Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) is a trailing succulent plant native to South Africa. Its called String of Pearls because of the shape of its leaves, which resemble small green pearls strung together on a thin stem. The plant grows by trailing along the ground, sending out new shoots as it goes.

Like most types of Senecio, String of Pearls’ primary attraction is its beautiful foliage, which is a powdery green color. The leaves are small and round, almost like beads strung together on a thin stem. White flowers appear on short stalks in the summer.

Senecio rowleyanus‘ gorgeous green foliage serves best as a groundcover or in a hanging basket, where it can trail down and create a stunning effect. Hanging baskets are a must if you’re planning on growing one indoors.

Fun Fact: Senecio rowleyanus has long been reassigned to the Curio genus despite being considered the quintessential Senecio plant to the masses.

Senecio rowleyanus serves as the standard-bearer for most Senecio succulent types as it is usually a gardener’s first introduction to the world of Senecio succulents. String of Pearls’ huge popularity in the field of cultivation is a combination of its ease of care and widespread availability.

Other Senecio might be prettier, but you can bet your bottom dollar your local garden store will have some String of Pearls in stock, if nothing else.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6°C)

Senecio haworthii (Cocoon Plant / Woolly Senecio)

The Senecio haworthii (Woolly Senecio / Cocoon Plant) is a succulent native to South Africa. The Woolly Senecio gets its common name from the soft, woolly coating that covers its leaves and stem.

This covering protects the plant from intense heat and helps it retain water in arid conditions. The white layers that make up the coating cover the leaves entirely, hiding their true color underneath completely. This has earned the plant its common name; Cocoon Plant or Woolly Senecio.

The Cocoon Plant is a low-growing plant that only reaches about 12 inches in height as it grows in the wild, though specimens in cultivation are usually smaller. Its leaves are small and oblong, arranged in the form of an upright subshrub. The Wooly Senecio produces yellow flowers that bloom in the summer or winter.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 12 in. tall
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6°C)

Senecio jacobsenii (Trailing jade)

Trailing jade (Senecio jacobsenii) is a succulent native to South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya. It’s a fast-growing plant that can quickly take over any space if left unchecked. That’s why it’s often grown in pots or hanging baskets, where its sprawling stems can be better controlled.

This plant is called Trailing Jade because of its leaves, which are quite similar to the leaves of a Jade Plant; tear-drop shaped, glossy, and ovate. Their glossy deep green color looks stunning when displayed from hanging baskets.

Peperomia rotundifolia is also called ‘Trailing Jade,’ but these two are completely different plants belonging to different genera. The only similarity between them is their uncanny resemblance to Crassula ovata, Jade Plant.

Senecio jacobsenii’s stems are stout and fleshy. The leaves emerge from the nodes directly rather than from a branch. The flowers of trailing jade are small and orange, growing in clusters at the tips of the stems.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 4-6 in. height, 4-7 in. width
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1°C)

Senecio crassissimus (Lavender Steps / Vertical Leaf Senecio / Propeller Plant)

The Senecio crassissimus is a plant native to Madagascar. It is commonly known as the “Lavender Steps” because of the color of its leaves. It’s also called Propeller plant because of the way its leaves are arranged around the stem.

Senecio crassissimus has long, thin, cylindrical leaves that are a beautiful silver-gray color with lavender margins. The leaves are arranged on an erect stem. In addition to being pretty to look at, the leaves also exhibit a rare natural phenomenon.

When under sunlight, the flat leaves turn on their axis so that they present an edge to the sun and never a flat surface. This prevents the sun from burning the leaves and evaporating the moisture, a necessary condition for these delicate plants to survive in harsh conditions.

Despite what is sure to be an interesting display, give your Senecio crassissimus some shade protection from direct bright sunlight. The turning of the leaves takes up energy, and if the plant has to keep doing that for the entire day, it will die out quickly.

• Light: Bright shade
• Mature Size: 12 in. tall
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (−1.1°C)

Senecio radicans (String of Bananas)

The Senecio radicans, also known as the String of Bananas, is a succulent native to South Africa. It’s easily distinguished by its long, cascading stems that are loaded with banana-shaped leaves.

String of Bananas can grow up to 3 feet (1 m) long and produces small, light yellow flowers. Although its blooms are pretty as well, this plant is mainly raised for its foliage.

The Senecio radicans is a trailing plant, so it will need something to cascade off of if you want to take advantage of its aesthetic to maximum effect. A hanging basket would be perfect.

Did you Know? Like the String of Pearls, the String of Bananas is also now considered a part of the Curio genus.

If you’re willing to go for something different, a Senecio radicans can also be a guide to climb on a trellis or support to act as a miniature vine of sorts.

• Light: Full sun (bright light)
• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1°C)

Senecio kleiniiformis (Spear Head)

The Senecio kleiniiformis, or Spear Head, is an evergreen succulent shrub that’s native to South Africa. It gets its common name from its spear-shaped leaves that grow in a subshrub pattern. The leaves are blue-green in color.

As the name might’ve clued you in, Senecio kleiniiformis leaves are spear-shaped. They are thin near the bottom, and they develop a spear tip, i.e., a deeply lobed front with sharp edges as they move outwards. The overall effect is reminiscent of a spear tip.

Senecio kleiniiformis is one of the more unique succulents on this list. It’s definitely not your typical-looking plant. But despite its strange appearance, it’s still quite easy to care for.

The yellow flowers are daisy-like, appearing in clusters on thin stems. They blossom in the summer and attract bees and other pollinators.

• Light: Part-shade
• Mature Size: 12 inches tall
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Senecio peregrinus (String of Dolphins)

The Senecio peregrinus, or String of Dolphins, is a type of trailing plant that’s native to South Africa. Its called String of Dolphins because of the shape of its leaves, which resemble jumping dolphins. The plant is also known as the Dolphin Necklace Plant or Flying Dolphins.

String of Dolphins is one of the most interesting-looking succulents on this list. It’s a beautiful plant whose leaves resemble a group of dolphins swimming through the ocean. The leaves are short and curved, with a sharp extension on each leaf’s back’ where a dolphin’s fin would be. They’re waxy and are colored a standard glossy green.

Senecio peregrinus are perfect for hanging baskets as trailing plants. It can grow up to 6 inches tall before its stems start to trail downwards. Most specimens remain small throughout their lifetime, even with extra space.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 6 inches tall
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant)

The Senecio articulatus is a perennial succulent that is indigenous to South Africa. It has earned the nickname Candle Plant due to the shape of its leaves, which are long and fat, reminiscent of a candle.

Senecio articulatus has been reassigned to the Curio genus and is now known as Curio articulatus. However, most texts still refer to this plant by its old genus, Senecio. Your local garden store might still have some stocked under its old name.

The stems are the heroes of the Candle Plant. They’re long, cylindrical, and perfectly vertical. They’re divided into segments like that of a sausage, hence their other common name, Sausage Plant.

Although, it’s usually used as an ornamental plant, the Candle Plant is quite rare, so you might’ve never seen one in real life.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 2 feet tall
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks / Blue Fingers)

The Senecio mandraliscae is a beautiful mat-forming succulent that originates from South Africa. The plant grows in the form of blue, finger-like stems that stay low to the ground and spread vigorously if given a chance.

This plant is perfect for adding a touch of color to any succulent garden or arrangement. Their blue color is quite striking and really pops against other green plants. They look great when planted with yellow or orange flowers.

As you might’ve noticed, Senecio mandraliscae shares its common name with Senecio serpens. Although both plants are distinct, they share so many similarities that even experienced gardeners sometimes have difficulties telling them apart. In general, S. mandraliscae grows faster and in a more unrestrained manner than S. serpens. It’s also far more common.

If you’re looking for a plant that requires little maintenance and is happy to just sit there and look pretty, then this is the one for you. Just make sure you give it enough space to grow, as it can quickly take over a small area.

• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 2 feet tall, spreads like groundcover
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6°C)

Senecio macroglossus (Wax Ivy)

Wax ivy is native to South Africa and prefers warm, dry conditions. It is a succulent that is often used as an indoor houseplant. It can grow to be quite large if given enough space, but it is just as happy staying small in a pot, though hanging baskets are the best option to display the plant at its best.

This plant gets its name from its glossy leaves that have the appearance of being coated in wax. It also resembles the Common Ivy plant, despite not being closely related to that plant.

And just like common ivy, Senecio macroglossus have a climbing habit and need something to support their growing habit. A trellis goes a long way.

The leaves are deep green and can be up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. They are arranged in a rosette pattern and have scalloped edges.

The daisy-like flowers of Senecio macroglossus are white or yellow and borne on slender stalks.

Senecio macroglossus variegatus is among the most spectacular plants in the Senecio genus. It is commonly called Variegated Wax Ivy.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 10 feet long
• Frost Hardiness: 41°F (5°C)

Senecio anteuphorbium (Swizzle Sticks)

Senecio anteuphorbium is one of the most unusual-looking succulents out there. It’s a native of South Africa and has an upright growth habit that can reach up to 5 feet tall. The weirdest thing about this plant is its leaves. They’re thread-like and wispy, almost like strands of hair.

The stems grow like a thicket, branching and ascending, both at the same time. They’re also divided into segments. Their upright growth habit and sparse leaves make the plant resemble a cactus.

Dark lines run through the length of the plant’s stems, adding some color to the otherwise uniformly green structure.

Senecio anteuphorbium lies dormant in the summer and only begins growing as the warm season approaches its end. White rayless flowers appear around the winter or late fall.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 5 feet long
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Senecio scaposus (Silver Spider)

The Senecio scaposus, or Silver Spider, is a beautiful succulent that’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room. It has long, slender leaves that are covered in silver hairs. These hairs give the plant a shimmery appearance that’s sure to catch anyone’s eye.

Clusters of these thin, finger-like leaves emerge from a short stem that lays prostrate on the ground. Leaves are dense and cover up the stem entirely.

The Senecio scaposus is a slow-growing plant, so it won’t take over your space like some other succulents. It’s also relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for those who are new to growing succulents.

It’s native to South Africa, where it grows in the rocky foothills of the Karoo region. The flowers are daisy-like and yellow and appear in summertime.

• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 12 in. tall
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Senecio barbertonicus (Succulent Bush Senecio)

Senecio barbertonicus is a native of South Africa, where it can be found growing in the wild. This Senecio has long, cylindrical, light green leaves that are somewhat rigid and erect. They can grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are small and bright yellow, and they appear in the winter.

Succulent Bush Senecio is a small subshrub that’s perfect for anyone who loves succulents but doesn’t want the hassle of dealing with a giant plant. Although it grows quickly, you can keep the height down if the plant is grown indoors in a small pot.

For the best aesthetics, we recommend regular pruning to keep the length of the leaves down even further. You want the plant to look like it’s a low-ground subshrub with practically no stems. The dense covering of the leaves gives a more ‘bush-like’ feeling that looks gorgeous.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 6 feet tall
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Senecio ficoides (Big Blue Chalk Sticks)

If you’re looking for an eye-catching succulent to add to your collection, then you can’t go wrong with Senecio ficoides. Also known as Big Blue Chalk Sticks, this plant is native to South Africa and gets its common name from the silver-gray to blue-green color of its leaves.

The leaves grow on erect stems that grow mostly vertically but branch slightly as they grow. The leaves curve upwards into sharp points like sickles.

The blue-green leaves are what give this plant its distinctive color. They can grow up to 6 inches long, and they have a powdery texture that feels great to the touch.

Senecio ficoides produce beautiful green flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. But the flowers are not as showy as the leaves, so they’re often overlooked.

Although this plant can be grown as a groundcover, its natural inclination is to grow like a shrub.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Senecio candicans (Angel Wings)

This plant is a real stunner with its distinctive long, flat leaves that are silver-green in color. The Senecio candicans is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fast-growing succulent that can reach heights of up to 3 feet (1 meter).

The name comes from the shape of its leaves, which are wing-like in appearance. The leaves are quite large and arranged in the form of a tall, upright shrub. This growing habit allows for the plant to be used as high-quality garden borders.

The leaves are delicate despite being succulent, so they require exacting care. Clusters of red or yellow flowers appear in the summer.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 3.3 feet (1 meter)
• Frost Hardiness: 10°F (-12.2°C)

Senecio tropaeolifolius (False nasturtium)

This creeping succulent is a native of South Africa, and it’s closely related to the nasturtium. The Senecio tropaeolifolius is an evergreen groundcover that forms a dense mat of leaves. The small, round leaves are light green in color. Yellow daisy-like flowers rise above the foliage around the spring season.

The Senecio tropaeolifolius grows in the form of a clump or a trailing succulent. If placed in a small enough pot, its stem cascade down quite beautifully. But, due to its overall diminutive size, it can never quite reach the length other trailing succulents are known for, but it looks good in hanging baskets nonetheless.

Senecio tropaeolifolius is often confused with Senecio oxyriifolius. It was considered a variety of the aforementioned species for the longest time, but recent studies have shown enough differences for this classification to be valid.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 8 in. tall, 16 in. wide
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Other Notable Senecio Plants

Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel)

The Senecio vulgaris, more commonly known as Groundsel, is a weed that’s often considered nothing more than a nuisance. It’s an annual plant that grows quickly and dies just as fast. It produces hundreds of seeds that spread easily and germinate rapidly, so it’s hard to get rid of once it establishes itself in an area.

Groundsel is native to Europe but has been introduced to North Africa and some regions of Asia. It typically grows in fertile soils, but it can grow just as easily in unforgiving soils. Cracked pavement, sides of the road, gardens, fields, waste areas, you name it, Groundsel has been there at some point.

It’s a problem because it crowds out other plants that are more desirable. Although Senecio vulgaris is technically a weed, it’s not that difficult to get rid of. Just use a hoe to get the soil around the base loose and pull up the plant by its roots. It’s annoying labor, true, but not hard.

Popular Types Of Senecio Succulents For Indoors (Video)

FAQ

References

• “Senecio haworthii Cocoon Plant at Waterwise Botanicals Nursery, Bonsall, CA USA 171114” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “starr-110307-2198-Senecio_jacobsenii-leaves-Kula_Botanical_Garden-Maui” by Starr Environmental is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “starr-110307-2393-Senecio_crassissimus-leaves-Kula_Botanical_Garden-Maui” by Starr Environmental is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Senecio Articulatus” by srboisvert is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Senecio mandraliscae” by MeganEHansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• “200710 098 Encinitas – San Diego Botanic Gdn, So African Gdn, Senecio macroglossus ‘Variegatus’ Variegated Wax Ivy” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Senecio anteuphorbium, Kleinia anteuphorbium, Astéracées” by olive.titus is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
• Senecio scaposus 2016-04-28 9066 by Salicyna is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
• Senecio tropaeolifolius leaves by Ghareebota is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
• “Packera aurea, syn. Senecio aureus 2, involucres golden ragwort, Howard County, MD, Helen Lowe Metzman_2017-06-20-15.55” by Sam Droege is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
• “Senecio – Daisy Bush.” by Bernard Spragg is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.