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Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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Posted by RichardCharles z10/Malibu (My Page) on Tue, Sep 27, 05 at 17:00
| I recently planted 18 Senecio mandraliscae outside. This is the first time I've planted succulents. Regular potting mix was used instead of C&S Mix. Do I need to add amendments and if so, which ones? Also regarding watering, about how often and do they prefer ground watering or overhead? And if there are any must do's or don't regarding succulents I'd love to know. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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| Richard, Lucky you. You live in the perfect climate for this plant (or for nearly any plant). Full sun or in the shade of some beautiful shrubs or trees, it will look like water. The only negative will be if you are on heavy clay or if the water does not run off. Otherwise, this plant will take just about anything you give it and look perfect. We prefer to have the soil dry out between waterings, but even that is not necessary. The pictures attached are from the Getty Museum and the Chino Basin Water District test gardens. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Senecio mandraliscae
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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| Very little water, use a lot of coarse sand, grit, or pumice or perlite, no peat moss. They are the easiest plant to grow and start, not demanding at all. But must have a fast draining mix. If you have clay soil, find out what to use to break it up. Sorry, just can't pull up the name for you at this time. Norma |
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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| Thanks for advice, and Buck; the photos are amazing, I love this plant. |
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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| Richard, To follow up Norma's message, I use DG (decomposed granite) which is available at any SoCal rock place. I till it in to the clay soil at the rate of 50-50. Starting with a spade depth till up of the clay, then add the DG on top and mix the whole thing. It accomplishes two things and both are drainage related. Raised beds and aireated soil. I still don't think your plants need this attention unless you have really terrible soil. Buck |
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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Thanks again Buck, I'll use the DG, it can't hurt as they say.
Is there a dark mulch you could recommend to contrast the blue and keep down the weeds, or is mulch a bad idea? |
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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| Does anyone know if you should clip the flowers off of Senecio mandraliscae? |
RE: Tips for Senecio mandraliscae
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| You certainly don't NEED to remove the flowers, although I routinely do so. I don't think they're anything special, and they just detract from the beauty of the plant. Of course if you have large drifts of the plant, you may find that flower removal is more trouble than it's worth. I'm pretty finicky, so I usually take the time to do it. |
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