Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:21 pm
Senecio mandraliscae is a perennial succulent groundcover that can grow up to 12 inches high with upright, spreading stems of small white flowers and triangular green leaves.
This succulent groundcover does best when planted in full sun where it will bloom until the first frost kills its foliage. It is native to South Africa and will thrive in USDA zones 11-12 with protection from any frost that may come its way
Origin of Senecio mandraliscae
The Senecio mandraliscae was first officially classified in 1859 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach after it had been discovered on a mountain range near Lima in Peru. The plant is now known to grow at elevations from sea level to 3000 meters.
The Senecio mandraliscae is a small perennial succulent that can grow to be about 16 inches in height, with leaves up to 20 cm wide and flowers of blue-purple color. They are found growing on dry rocky slopes at high elevations from sea level to around 5000 feet elevation in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
Description
Senecio mandraliscae is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. It’s also known as “blue chalk stick” for its narrow, blue-green leaves that grow up the stem in pairs. This Senecio genus contains over 900 species of annuals and perennials from all around the world and has become popular among gardeners for its drought-resistant and low maintenance qualities.
You can propagate Senecio mandraliscae from seed or cuttings, but you may need to take some precautions when handling the plants to prevent them from wilting in dry air. To avoid this potential problem, it’s best not to move Senecio mandraliscae plants for at least a week after planting.
Senecio mandraliscae propagation
Propagation is achieved through the removal of side shoots from the plant and then planting them in a moist soil mix. In its native habitat, it can be propagated by layering stems rooting as they touch the ground or by breaking off segments that have rooted while still attached to their parent plants.
This plant can be propagated either by planting divided clumps or cuttings and then watering them with a liquid fertilizer. There are also many products available that will cause the plant’s roots to form around itself, such as rootone ixl. These methods make it possible for Senecio mandraliscae to grow in water pots or other containers.
The Senecio mandraliscae propagates through surface runners that will form roots at the nodes when long enough to touch the ground or by layering stems as they droop down. The plant often grows in small colonies of several plants growing close together with a low mat of foliage around them. It is most commonly found in montane to temperate climates.
General senecio mandraliscae care
The Senecio mandraliscae is very easy to care for and maintain which makes it a good plant of choice for beginners or those who do not have the time required to take excellent care of plants like bonsais, cacti, succulents, e.t.c The soil should be kept moist but not wet, the level of light should be moderate and temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Light requirement
Senecio mandraliscae does best in bright light. The more sunlight they get, the happier and healthier they will be overall. They prefer a location with the indirect or filtered sun during the morning hours. A south-facing window is perfect! If you do not have access to direct sunlight then an eastern exposure would work as well, just make sure you have a good light source near the plant.
Location with the less direct sun during midday is fine, but they prefer indirect or filtered sunlight in this case. The more direct and brighter natural light they receive, the better their leaves will grow!
Senecio mandraliscae prefers bright light. Direct sunlight during the morning hours is best, but they can also grow with the less direct sun as long as they have a good light source nearby.
Note: The more light, the happier and healthier your plant will be!
Soil/potting mix
Senecio mandraliscae loves to be potted in a cactus soil mix. It is important that your plant has good drainage, so make sure the pot you choose also allows for this! The more water they receive, the less likely it will become over-watered and unhealthy.
A general rule of thumb with plants is to only water them when the top inch of soil is dry. This will be a bit different with Senecio mandraliscae because they need more frequent watering than other plants, so you should check their soil every day and give it enough time to become fully dry after being watered before re-watering.
Seneca Mandraliscae prefers a cactus soil mix. Make sure that the pot your plant lives in has good drainage, or else it will become over-watered and unhealthy! Water when the top inch of dirt is dry–every day for Seneca Mandraliscae.
This plant will grow well in a wide range of soil conditions but prefers sandy and dry soils. It can withstand drought, waterlogging, and acidic to alkaline soil (pH levels ranging from about 5 to 10).
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Senecio mandraliscae once a month with either water-soluble fertilizer or dry granular fertilizers.
The more you feed them, the healthier and happier they will become!
Watering
Watering is one of the most important and also commonly overlooked aspects of succulent plant care. Proper watering will ensure that your plants stay healthy and alive for years to come. The first thing you should do when setting up a new planting area (or repotting) is excavating enough soil to create a hole at least three inches deep.
Senecio mandraliscae propagation and care is an issue of great importance to the succulent enthusiasts. Watering plays a key role in plant health, so it’s essential that you know how to do it properly! When digging a hole for your new plants (or transplanting), make sure you dig at least three inches deep.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for this plant is from 65°F to 84°F. If you live in a cooler environment, it may be necessary to provide supplemental heat such as an overhead light, or heating pad set on low.
Humidity
Humidity is important for healthy Senecio mandraliscae propagation and care. The ideal humidity range for these plants is from 40%-60%. If you live in a drier environment, it may be necessary to provide supplemental misting or fogging as needed.
Repotting
Repot your Senecio mandraliscae only when it has become pot-bound. This occurs when the plant’s root system can no longer be contained in its current container and will most likely damage the existing soil mix. It may also happen if you notice that there is not adequate drainage for excess water to escape or nutrients to circulate.
Pruning
Pruning is never a fun task, but it’s an important part of care for your plant and can be done as often as necessary. These plants are heavy feeders so make sure to fertilize before each pruning session with 30-30-60 fertilizer at half the usual strength. To determine whether or not a plant needs to be pruned, look for dead leaves and stems. If you find any of these, remove them as well as unhealthy parts that are too close to the ground.
Hardiness zone
Senecio mandraliscae is hardy in zones 11 and 12
Toxicity
The toxicity of Senecio mandraliscae has not been reported in the literature. There are no known health risks with this plant.
Pests and diseases
Mealybugs and Scale insects are the two most common pests that attack the Senecios, so care should be taken when treating them with chemicals in order not to affect your plant.
