Senecio cephalophorus

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed occasionally

This plant doesn't need too many nutrients. Feed occasionally in the growing season. Don't feed in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Water in Spring-autumn only, when compost is dry

Water when the compost is dry, allowing the compost to dry between waterings. Keep the plant dry in winter so that it stops growing and has a "rest period".

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Indoor temperature · Planting

Min 10C/50F, not kitchen/bathroom

This plant will thrive in warm, average and cool rooms as long as the air is not humid, so avoid placing in bathrooms and kitchens. The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 10C/50F.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, no direct sun

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.