Varieties
Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls) / Senecio Radicans (String of Bananas or Fishhooks) / Senecio Peregrinus (String of dolphins) / Senecio Haworthii
Origin
Native to deserts of East Africa
General Care
Light
Bright filtered. Avoid low to medium light. Some varieties, such as string of pearls, tolerate direct sun during winter.
Temperature
18-24°C (spring through fall). Give a rest at 13°C (winter). Protect from hot or cold drafts.
Humidity
Normal. Tolerates dry air.
Water
Every 1 -2 weeks. Water moderately (spring-fall) and allow moist potting mix to dry almost fully. Water sparingly (winter) and allow barely moist mix to dry almost fully. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Once a month at half-strength (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, mist heavily to free accumulated dust and inspect plant for pests, when doing so. Clear debris from planter. Trim unsightly or unruly segments with sterile shears.
Re-potting
Mix of 3 parts soil-based to 1 part coarse sand or perlite. Transplant once leaves occupy most of the soil surface. Every 2- 3 years (spring) move into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth). Once maximum convenient planter size reached (5-6” diameter) repot in the same pot, using new soil, after partially trimming back roots and foliage. To prevent rot, maintain depth of basal leaves in new pot, and sprinkle coarse sand or perlite over surface.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Mushy, brown leaves may suggest overwatering. Allow soil to dry completely before watering again.
- Mature plants may produce small, fuzzy, fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers (spring-summer).
- Trailing stems may achieve lengths up to 3’. Propagate 4-5” stem tip cuttings. Pressed into moist soil and kept warm, these will root in a short time.