How to Propagate Senecio

Seed Propagation

• 1

  Moisten the seed-starting medium with water using a water mister or spray bottle.

• 2

  Fill growing containers with the seed-starting medium to 3/4 inch below the container top. The University of Missouri Extension recommends using a small board to tap the medium down inside the containers. Place containers in a plastic tray or wooden flat.

• 3

  Place up to five seeds in each container when using divided containers with small, individual sections. If using a large container, spread seeds out so that there are approximately five seeds per every 2 square inches. Senecio germinates erratically, requiring extra seeds for germination.

• 4

  Cover the containers with clear plastic without covering the seeds with soil. Senecio seeds require light to germinate. The clear plastic allows light through while trapping moisture and warmth inside the containers.

• 5

  Place the container-filled tray in a warm location. The ideal germination temperature for senecio is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 6

  Remove plastic when seedlings appear in 10 to 14 days and move the tray to a sunny location. The University of Missouri Extension recommends a south-facing window or fluorescent growing lights.

• 7

  Water by pouring water into the tray. The containers will draw water up from the bottom. This prevents the plants from rhizoctonia, a fungal disease that restricts the plant's stem and causes it to wilt.

• 8

  Transplant seedlings grown in large containers once the first set of true leaves have developed. Plants in individual containers should be thinned to the strongest plant by snipping or pinching the extra plants off at the surface of the growing medium.

• 9

  Harden the plants off starting two weeks before planting outside. Move plants outside to a shady spot. Gradually move the plants into the sunlight for longer periods each day.

• 10

  Plant outdoors in a sunny location with well-drained soil high in organic material. While senecio tolerates dry conditions, it performs best when kept from wilting.

Stem-cutting Propagation

• 11

  Fill growing containers with rooting medium to 3/4 inch below the container top. Place containers in a plastic tray or wooden flat. Moisten the rooting medium by spraying with a water mister or spray bottle.

• 12

  Dip sharp pruning shears in rubbing alcohol to sanitize.

• 13

  Hold a senecio shoot by the end. Move the shears 4 to 6 inches down the shoot. Make a clean, quick diagonal cut. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.

• 14

  Dip the cut end of the senecio cutting in a root-promoting hormone up to the lowest remaining leaves on the cutting. Tap to remove excess powder and immediately insert the cutting into the rooting medium, leaving enough space between each cutting for all leaves to receive sunlight.

• 15

  Place tray in indirect light and cover with plastic. Mist with light sprays of water on a regular basis to maintain moisture. Once roots are established, harden off and transplant to the desired permanent location.