The Care of Senecio Succulents

Location

• Senecio succulents generally prefer warm, frost-free conditions. String of pearls plant may only be grown outdoors successfully in USDA zones 10 to 12. Where not hardy, the plant may brought indoors and then placed outside again when the danger of frost has passed. Many Senecio succulents, including string of pearls plant, prefer partial or filtered sunlight rather than direct sunlight, which may burn the plant's foliage. Indoor plants do best in diluted sunlight, such as the light that seeps in through a curtain.

Soil

• Good drainage is crucial to the health of all succulents. Plant the succulent in a cactus or succulent potting mix, or make a potting mix by combing three parts potting soil with one part sharply draining, sterile sand. Water deeply, and wait for soil to dry almost completely before watering again. Do not allow the soil to become flooded or water logged. To encourage healthy flowering and growth, fertilize once a month during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer.

Potting

• Containerized senecio succulents usually need to be re-potted every year or two to allow for root growth. Do not use a pot that is excessively roomy, as this traps excess moisture. Some root damage during re-potting is to be expected. Succulents with damaged roots are more susceptible to disease, therefore watering should be withheld for at least a week to allow the plant to recover. After at least a week has passed, water again lightly. Wait at least a month before fertilizing again.

Problems

• Succulents are susceptible to scale and mealybugs, both of which can cause disfigurement and poor growth. Remove scale and mealybugs by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wiping off insects. Insects may also be controlled with a specialized insecticide. If using insecticide, follow instructions carefully and apply outdoors to avoid letting harmful chemicals into the home. As with any cacti or succulent, over-watering quickly leads to rot and death. Always err on the side of less, rather than more, water.