Senecio - Mandraliscae x Serpens Glacier

Senecio 'Glacier' is an attractive succulent hybrid, likely a cross between Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks) and Senecio serpens (Chalk Sticks), celebrated for its striking silvery-blue, finger-like foliage. This visually appealing plant forms a dense, spreading mat and offers a cool, architectural element to succulent collections, rock gardens, and container arrangements.
 
Key Features of Senecio 'Glacier'
Silvery-Blue Foliage: The most distinctive feature is its elongated, cylindrical leaves that exhibit a beautiful silvery-blue to pale blue-grey color.
Finger-like Leaves: The leaves are typically long, slender, and finger-like, often with a slightly curved or upright growth habit.
Dense, Spreading Mat: Forms a dense, low-growing mat as it matures, spreading horizontally.
Farina (Epicuticular Wax): The silvery-blue color is often due to a powdery white coating (farina) on the leaves, which helps protect them from sun and water loss.
Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, it is a relatively easy-care succulent.
Occasional White Flowers: Mature plants may produce small, inconspicuous white or off-white flowers in clusters on short stems.
 
Care for Your Senecio 'Glacier'
Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun generally enhances the silvery-blue coloration and promotes compact growth.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is ideal.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided, especially during the dormant winter months. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is generally tolerant of light frost, but protection from prolonged freezing temperatures is recommended.
Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Handling Farina: If your 'Glacier' has a powdery coating, handle the leaves gently to avoid rubbing it off.
Pruning: Pruning is generally not necessary but can be done to control spread or remove any dead or damaged stems.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot with good drainage. Spring is a good time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Treat any infestations promptly.
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid over-fertilizing.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Stem Cuttings: A relatively easy method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a few days, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Division: Mature, clumping plants can be carefully divided at the roots and repotted into separate containers. This is best done during repotting in spring or early summer.
 
Senecio 'Glacier' is a visually striking and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that adds a cool, architectural element to any succulent collection or landscape. Its silvery-blue foliage creates a beautiful contrast with other plants and its spreading habit makes it a versatile choice for various planting applications.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.