Senecio radicans
Family Asteracae
Subfamily Asteroideae
Formerly: Kleinia gomphophylla
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Also known as:
String of Bananas
Green Marble Vine
Gooseberry Senecio
Senecio radicans is native to the Cape Province region of South Africa.
Senecio radicans is a popular evergreen hanging plant with long oval pointed leaves that trail along the soil and form large clusters over time. In warm Mediterranean-type climates it can also be grown as a ground cover and in rockeries, where it will root regularly at nodes along the entire length of its sprawling, partially-buried stems.
Similar to the more frequently found Senecio rowleyanus, it shares some of the same common names — though the leaves of S. radicans are larger, more elongated and banana-shaped than the small round pea-like balls of Senecio rowleyanus’ string of green 'pearls'.
The shape of S. radicans’ streaked leaves reduces their surface area exposed to sunlight, while fine vertical translucent lines — photosynthetic windows — allow the plant to preserve moisture under the hot, arid conditions within the harsh environment in which it originally evolved.
Note that the leaves can often take on a beautiful purple tone, (although not seen much in these particular photos). It grows well in both shade and sun, tending to take on more color in stronger light where the purplish to brown tones, and even colors ranging to orange, can become more pronounced.
A great plant for apartments, Senecio radicans thrives in succulent gardens or in pots on a sunny windowsills. — Looks Great in Hanging Baskets — An excellent hanging plant, this easy-care succulent enjoys growing in suspended planters. Its beautiful, trailing pendant stems resemble beaded necklaces, often reaching several feet in length as they cascade down appealingly over the sides of mid-air pots.
Suitable for growing indoors or out wherever there is no danger of frost.
Preferring light shade or morning sun in very hot areas, S. radicans is suitable for growing indoors as a houseplant, in greenhouses or frost-free rock gardens.
If you are growing in containers, they enjoy spending the summer outdoors. Wait until there is no danger of frost and then move them back indoors in the fall.
An adaptable species with low water requirements, Senecio copes very well with hot summers, surviving drought as vigorously as any other hardy succulent.
Whether plump with abundant water or thinner and drier depending on soil, water, lighting, location and season when harvested, your cuttings should root up fine regardless of these natural variations of growth. Senecio radicans likes a semi-rich cactus/succulent soil mix with good drainage. It takes very well to container culture and is easy to grow and care for. Looks great and does extraordinarily well with minimal care.
Preferring bright indirect light, it also thrives in strong sun as well as partial shade.
• Drought Tolerant •
Suitable for Xeriscaping
Very easy to grow and care for ~ Senecio radicans looks great and does very well with minimal care.
This tough, bulletproof plant can take a lot of punishment and bounce right back.
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For sale are four (4) x 4–inch cuttings taken from strong and healthy 'mother' plants in my collection. Specimens typical of those for sale are shown in the pictures labelled within this listing as typical cutting specimens.
These are of course living products of nature subject to natural variation. At a guaranteed minimum you will receive at least four x 4” stem cuttings ready for planting as shown. You'll get four fine naturally formed reproductive specimens: healthy succulent beaded-leaved stems, ready for planting and good to grow ~
Easily propagated, these cuttings typically have root buds already formed at intervals on many of their nodes, from which new roots sprout once planted.
They grow well.
• EASY INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED •
FREE SHIPPING!
Domestic USA orders only.
I do not ship to Alaska (climate), Hawaii or Guam (ecological courtesy).
Cuttings shipped without soil or pot via US Postal Service 1st Class Mail. To prep plants for safe travel, please allow a day or two after purchase before they ship out.
Please check weather before ordering: freezing weather can cause damage before arrival. Order ‘when all danger of frost is past’ as with seeds if this is a concern in your region. We choose strong healthy plants for shipping. In case you are not satisfied with plant condition or feel original description does not match please message us a photo within 3 days of receipt. At our discretion depending on circumstances we may ship you a new specimens free of charge subject to your payment only of re-shipping postage. Although plant material returns are not accepted please be assured we stand fully behind all we sell and will always do our utmost best to work things out to your satisfaction.
