Senecio oxyriifolius, known as “False Nasturtium” or “Pickle Plant,” is a distinctive succulent. Its intriguing foliage and straightforward care make it popular for adding unique texture to plant collections. This resilient plant offers arid beauty to indoor or outdoor spaces.
Understanding Senecio oxyriifolius
Senecio oxyriifolius is a succulent perennial herb with fleshy, often bluish or pale green leaves. These rounded or deltoid leaves have serrated margins, resembling nasturtium leaves, and a rubbery texture. Measuring up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long and wide, they attach to erect, fleshy stems. The plant forms a creeping tuberous rhizome and can reach 0.3 to 1 meter tall. Native to South Africa, it grows in grasslands, often among rock outcrops. It blooms profusely in spring and summer, producing tall, slender flowering stems with bright yellow, discoid flower heads.
Caring for Your Senecio oxyriifolius
Light
Senecio oxyriifolius thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Ample light promotes compact growth and vibrant leaf coloration. Insufficient light leads to leggy or elongated growth as the plant stretches towards a light source. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal, but it can tolerate some partial shade.
Watering
As a succulent, Senecio oxyriifolius stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems, making it highly drought-tolerant. Overwatering is a common issue, causing root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent soggy conditions. During dormant winter months, significantly reduce watering frequency.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial for Senecio oxyriifolius to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is suitable, or create your own by amending regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. This ensures rapid drainage, replicating its natural sandy, rocky soils. Pots with drainage holes are essential to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
Senecio oxyriifolius prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C) during its active growing season. It is moderately frost hardy, tolerating temperatures down to USDA hardiness zone 9b (25°F / -3.9°C). Protect the plant from temperatures below 25°F. It adapts well to typical indoor humidity levels, thriving in low to medium conditions between 30-50%.
Fertilizing
Senecio oxyriifolius is not a heavy feeder and thrives in nutrient-poor soils. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feeding once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer) is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant winter period, as this can lead to leggy growth.
Propagating Senecio oxyriifolius
Propagating Senecio oxyriifolius is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings. During the growing season (early spring to fall), select healthy stems and make clean cuts. Allow cuttings to sit for a few days until the cut ends form a callus, which prevents rot. Once callused, insert cuttings into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil slightly moist until roots develop.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Many common issues with Senecio oxyriifolius stem from improper watering or inadequate light. Overwatering often leads to yellowing leaves, soft stems, and root rot. If these signs appear, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings. Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to shrivel or wrinkle, signaling dehydration.
Insufficient light can manifest as leggy growth with sparse foliage, or a general lack of vigor. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight corrects this. Too much direct sun, especially harsh afternoon sun, can scorch leaves, leading to bleached or brown spots. While generally pest resistant, occasional mealybug or spider mite infestations can occur, particularly on stressed plants. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap manage these issues.