Blue Chalk Fingers in Basalt Luna Vase

Light: Plant outdoor Senecio in partial sun and keep indoor plants in rooms with sunny windows. Keep in mind, blue varieties will require more sunlight to stay vibrant whereas green types can thrive in the lower light found in most rooms. If possible, move pots outdoors when temperatures stay above 40F and bring them back inside before there is a chance of frost.

Soil: A gritty, well-draining succulent/cactus soil from a garden center will support healthy growth and minimize the chance of rot. To make your own, mix 1 part potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite. Fertilizer is not required, but 2-3 light applications in the summer growing season can boost growth.

Water: Senecio are prone to rot if left in standing water. Water deeply then wait for soil to fully dry before watering again (about 3-7 days). Reduce frequency of watering in the winter when plants are partially dormant and, if possible, plant in containers with drainage holes.

Hardiness: Senecio are not frost hardy and should only be planted outdoors in zones 10-11 where minimum temperatures are above freezing (what’s my zone?). Fortunately for plant lovers in other climates, these plants can thrive indoors year-round or spend just the warm, summer months outdoors.

Propagation: Stem and leaf cuttings from this group are particularly successful at re-rooting. Use a sharp, clean knife to remove a large leaf or the top 2.0"+ of stem. Leave to dry 3-5 days, then follow our Guide to Propagating Cuttings