Senecio serpens | Curio repens. Blue carpet of Africa
€15,90
Senecio serpens G.D.Rowley
🌱 Morphology
A compact, low-growing, and spreading perennial succulent that forms extended clumps about 10–15 cm tall and can exceed 50–60 cm in diameter under favorable conditions. Its stems branch and root progressively, creating a dense carpet. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, elongated, and slightly pointed, blue-gray in color, covered by a fine whitish pruinose coating that gives them a powdery appearance. This waxy layer helps reflect solar radiation and limit water loss.
🌍 Origin, habitat, and family
Family Asteraceae, subfamily Asteroideae, tribe Senecioneae. It is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa, where it grows in rocky areas, crevices, and well-draining sandy soils. Its low-growing habit allows it to cover the ground and spread among stones. In botanical literature and trade, it also appears as Curio repens (L.) P.V.Heath; Senecio serpens is the best-known horticultural name.
❄️ Temperature — USDA 9b
It tolerates brief drops to nearly −2 °C if the substrate is dry, but it is advisable to protect it from prolonged frosts and cold humidity. In winter, drainage is essential to prevent rot.
☀️ Lighting
It develops well with plenty of light and gradual direct sunlight, which promotes bluish coloration and compact growth. A target DLI PAR of 15–25 mol/m²/day is recommended. In areas with very hot summers, it appreciates some protection during the hours of maximum sunlight.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Opportunistic. It can grow for much of the year if it has adequate light and temperatures. It is recommended to water thoroughly and let the substrate dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering frequency during cold periods or when growth slows down, avoiding waterlogging and persistent moisture between the stems.
🌸 Flowering
It produces flower heads that rise above the foliage, with small white-cream to yellowish flower heads. The flowering is modest compared to the ornamental appeal of its bluish leaves.
🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, providing high levels of potassium and bioavailable calcium. Reduce or suspend fertilization when growth slows down.
9x9 cm gourmet black pot
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with a substrate enriched with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
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