If you’re like me, you love spending time in nature. Gardening is a great way to get close to nature while enjoying the fruits of your labor.
I always feel accomplished after tending to my garden and watching everything grow.
But if you’re new to gardening, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why I’m here to tell you about one of my favorite plants: the Senecio stapeliiformis.
The Senecio stapeliiformis, also known as the candelabra cactus, is a beautiful succulent native to South Africa.
This plant gets its name from its unique shape, which resembles a candelabra. The
Senecio stapeliiformis is a great plant for beginners because it is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Some of the common names for a senecio stapeliiformis include:
- String of bananas
- Banana plant
- Inchworm plant
- Fishhook senecio
- Finger plant
- Trailing jade
The plant is called the string of bananas or the banana plant because its long, slender leaves grow at the top of the stem and look like a bunch of bananas.
The plant is also called the fishhook Senecio because its leaves are curved like a fishhook.
Senecio stapeliiformis is also called the finger plant because its leaves are long and slender and grow in a bunch at the top of the stem.
This gives them a finger-like appearance, where the plant gets its name.
Moreover, the name trailing jade was given to this plant because its leaves are long and slender, and they grow in a bunch at the top of the stem.
Let’s dive into some of the most important aspects of caring for senecio stapeliiformis!
Quick Facts On Senecio Stapeliiformis
- Family: Asteraceae
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Temperature: 50° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Allow to dry out between watering
- Fertilizer: Monthly in spring and summer
- Propagation: Seed or stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, scale, spider mites, root rot
Senecio Stapeliiformis Care
The Senecio stapeliiformis is a great plant for those looking for something different to add to their home.
Here are some tips on how to care for a Senecio stapeliiformis plant:
What Does The Candelabra Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Senecio stapeliiformis is a plant that can reach up to 12″ inches in height. It has a slender stem and small, green leaves.
The flowers of the Senecio stapeliiformis are white and have a trumpet shape.
When Does Candelabra Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Senecio stapeliiformis flowers in the summer and fall. The flowers are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Senecio stapeliiformis plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
If you live in an area with scorching summers, it is best to protect your plant from the direct sun to avoid scorching.
The ideal temperature range for this plant is 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Candelabra Cactus?
The senecio stapeliiformis plant is very drought tolerant when it comes to watering. It can tolerate long periods without water.
However, during the growing season (spring and summer), you should water your plant once a week to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
When you water your plant, ensure to soak the roots thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
The senecio stapeliiformis plant does not need to be fertilized often. Once every two months is sufficient.
Use a balanced, all-purpose succulent fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions.
What Is The Best Soil For Senecio Stapeliiformis And When Should You Transplant?
When it comes to soil, Senecio stapeliiformis is not picky. It will grow in almost any well-draining soil, including sandy or loamy soils.
The only thing it doesn’t like is soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy, you can lighten it up by mixing in sand or grit.
As for transplanting, the best time to do it is in the spring when the weather is milder.
However, if you live in an area with scorching summers, you may want to wait until fall to transplant your senecio stapeliiformis.
This will give the plant time to adjust to its new location before the heat sets in.
Does Senecio Stapeliiformis Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The senecio stapeliiformis plant does not require much pruning. If you want to encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the tips of the stems.
How To Propagate The Inchworm Plant?
The Senecio stapeliiformis plant can be propagated by the following:
- Seed
- Stem cuttings
- Offsets (baby plants that form at the mother plant’s base)
If you want to propagate by seed, sow the seeds of the inchworm plant in a well-draining succulent potting mix and keep them moist.
The seeds will germinate in 1 to 2 weeks.
To propagate by stem cuttings, do the following:
- Cut a 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) piece of stem from the mother plant with a sharp knife.
- Allow the cutting to callous over for a few days, and then plant it in a well-draining succulent potting mix.
Inchworm Plant Pests And Diseases
Pests and disease problems are not common with the inchworm plant. However, mealybugs may attack if the plant is stressed.
These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Brown spots on the leaves of senecio stapeliiformis are usually the result of too much water.
Allow the plant to dry out between watering, and ensure the pot has drainage holes to help excess water escape
If brown spots persist, treat the plant with a fungicide according to package directions.
If your senecio stapeliiformis is getting leggy, it’s probably not getting enough light.
Move the plant to a brighter location, and cut back the stems if necessary.
You can also encourage fuller growth by fertilizing regularly during the growing season.
How To Overwinter Senecio Stapeliiformis?
If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll need to take steps to overwinter your senecio stapeliiformis plant.
- First, bring the plant indoors and place it in a sunny window.
- Then, reduce watering during winter, and ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- You can also put your plant in a cool room (around 50° degrees Fahrenheit) to help it survive the winter.
Suggested Trailing Jade Uses
Trailing jade is often used as a hanging plant or in containers where it can spill over the edge.
It’s also suitable for growing in indoor or outdoor succulent gardens or rockeries.
In addition to its attractive foliage, Senecio stapeliiformis produces small yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
For example, some design ideas include:
- Hanging baskets
- Window boxes
- Succulent gardens
- Rockeries
Additionally, because it does well in partial-shade conditions, if you have a darker spot in your house that needs some greenery, trailing jade may be the plant for you!