Senecio - Jacobsenii aka Weeping Jade
Senecio jacobsenii, commonly known as Trailing Jade or Weeping Jade, is a captivating succulent admired for its long, cascading stems adorned with thick, rounded, coin-like leaves. This attractive plant creates a beautiful trailing effect, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, elevated planters, and as a unique ground cover in frost-free environments.
Key Features of Senecio jacobsenii
- Trailing Stems: The most prominent feature is its long, pendulous stems that can grow several feet in length, creating a graceful trailing habit.
- Rounded, Coin-like Leaves: The stems are densely covered with thick, fleshy, rounded leaves that resemble small coins or jade stones.
- Green to Reddish-Purple Coloration: The leaves typically exhibit a vibrant green color, which can develop rich reddish-purple hues, especially when exposed to more sunlight or cooler temperatures.
- Smooth Texture: The leaves have a smooth, waxy texture.
- Relatively Fast Growth: Under favorable conditions, it can grow relatively quickly.
- Orange Flowers: Mature plants may produce clusters of small, bright orange, daisy-like flowers, typically in the late winter or early spring.
Care for Your Senecio jacobsenii
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Adequate light enhances the reddish-purple coloration.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent water retention and root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is suitable.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk. Reduce watering considerably during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Trailing Jade
- Pruning: Pruning can be done to maintain the desired length and shape of the trailing stems or to encourage bushier growth.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot only slightly larger with good drainage. Spring is usually the best time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
- 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 Senecio jacobsenii
- Stem Cuttings: The easiest and most successful 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.
- Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower and less reliable. Gently detach healthy, plump leaves, allow the cut end to callus, and place them on top of well-draining soil. New plantlets may eventually emerge.
Senecio jacobsenii, with its long, trailing stems and attractive, coin-like leaves that can blush to beautiful reddish-purple hues, is a charming and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent. Its cascading growth habit makes it a wonderful choice for adding a touch of unique beauty to hanging baskets and elevated displays.
Important Note: Kindly be aware that this plant is delicate in naturee and despite our best efforts in packaging, may experience some damage during shipping.
* 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.