If you’re like many gardeners, you may be looking for a new addition to your garden. Senecio kleinia is a great option!
Senecio kleinia is a succulent that is native to South Africa. The plant grows in a rosette shape and can reach up to 2′ feet in height.
The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a blue-green color. The flowers are small and yellow and bloom in spring and summer.
Some of the common household names for the Senecio kleinia include:
- Candle plant
- Powderpuff plant
- Dusty miller
- Silverleaf senecio
The Senecio kleinia is aptly named the candle plant because of its long, slender blooms that resemble burning candles.
It is also called the powder puff plant or the dusty miller due to the silver-grey coloring of its leaves.
Other Latin names include:
- Senecio candicans
- Kleinia neriifolia
- Sedum kleiniiforme
This succulent is simple to care for and has a variety of uses in the garden.
There are many reasons to grow senecio kleinia. The plant is easy to care for and is drought tolerant. It also does not require much fertilizer.
Senecio kleinia can also be used as a groundcover or as an accent plant in the garden—not to mention—the plant is also deer resistant.
With its easy care requirements and versatile uses, Senecio kleinia is a great addition to any garden!
In this article, we will take a deep dive into how to care for this beautiful little succulent.
Quick Facts On Senecio Kleinia
- Family: Asteraceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Allow to dry out between waterings
- Fertilizer: Succulent fertilizer monthly during the growing season
- Propagation: Stem or leaf cuttings
- Common Problems: Aphids, mealy bugs, scale
Senecio Kleinia Care
The Senecio kleinia is a succulent that is easy to care for.
However, since the Senecio kleinia is grown indoors and outdoors, the differences in care need to be considered.
Here are the grow and care tips you need to remember:
What Does The Kleinia Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The senecio kleinia plant has long, trailing stems with fleshy, blue-green leaves shaped like teardrops. These leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern.
Indoors, the kleinia plant grows to about 2′ feet long. In contrast, it can grow up to 6′ feet (1.8 m) in length outdoors.
When Does The Kleinia Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Senecio kleinia blooms in the summer. The small, yellow flowers glow in clusters but are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
When grown indoors, the Senecio kleinia needs bright, direct sunlight. If possible, place it in front of a south- or west-facing window.
When grown outdoors, the kleinia plant can tolerate some shade, but it will need more sun if it is to flower.
Moreover, Senecio kleinia is not frost-tolerant, so if you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to grow the plant indoors.
The ideal temperature range for the Senecio kleinia is 60° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize the Senecio Kleinia Plant?
Water the senecio kleinia when the soil is dry to the touch, and be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid root rot.
If you’re unsure whether the plant needs water, it’s better to err on the side of too little rather than too much.
Senecio kleinia is a succulent, so it does not need much water. However, the plant should be watered about once a week and even less often in the winter.
When watering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Senecio kleinia can be fertilized about once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.
Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a succulent fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For The Senecio Kleinia Plant, And When Should You Transplant?
The Senecio kleinia does best in a well-draining soil mix.
You can use a commercial succulent or cactus mix or make your own by mixing 1 part potting soil with 1 part sand or perlite.
When transplanting the Senecio kleinia, it’s best to do it in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.
The best way to transplant the kleinia plant indoors is to do the following:
- Use a pot with drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill the pot with a well-draining soil mix, then gently remove the Senecio kleinia from its current pot.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around the roots with more soil mix.
- Water the plant well.
The best way to transplant the Senecio kleinia outdoors is to wait until spring when the plant is actively growing.
Then, dig a hole in an area that receives full sun and place the plant in the hole. Fill in around the roots with soil and water well.
Does The Senecio Kleinia Plant Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The Senecio kleinia doesn’t generally require special grooming or maintenance.
However, if the plant gets too leggy, you can trim it back to encourage new growth.
How To Over-Winter Senecio Kleinia?
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to grow the Senecio kleinia indoors.
Over winter, the plant can be kept in a cool, sunny spot, about 60° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit.
Water the plant less often than usual, and don’t fertilize.
How To Propagate The Kleinia Senecio Plant?
To propagate by the candle leaf plant via stem cuttings, do the following:
- Take a cutting from the main plant at least 4″ inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves with 2 to 3 leaves at the top of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and then plant it in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand.
- Place the pot in a warm location away from direct sunlight.
- Keep the perlite or sand moist but not soggy.
Rooting should occur within 4 to 6 weeks.
To propagate via seed, do the following:
- Sow the seeds in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand.
- Place the pot in a warm location, out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the perlite or sand moist but not soggy.
Germination should occur within 4 to 6 weeks.
Once the seedlings have emerged, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.
Senecio Kleinia Pests And Diseases
Senecio kleinia is susceptible to the following:
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Scale insects
These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Senecio kleinia is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as:
- Powdery mildew
- Root rot
These diseases can be controlled with fungicidal sprays.
The best way to prevent pests is to keep your plant healthy. Ensure it gets enough light and water and that the soil is well-draining.
If you see any pests on your plant, remove them immediately. You can also use a fungicide as a preventative measure for controlling the disease.
Just be sure not to use it more than once every 2 weeks.
Suggested Uses For Dusty Miller Plant
The Senecio kleinia or dusty miller plant is most commonly used as a bedding plant or in gardens.
Another common use for the dusty miller plant is as a filler in flower arrangements.
The silvery leaves add a touch of texture and contrast to bouquets. The plant can also be used in dried arrangements.
The dusty miller is a great choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance plant.
It’s also a beautiful addition to any garden or home. Its silvery leaves and low-maintenance requirements make it easy to see why this plant is so popular.