Kangaroo's Tail
senecio candidans
Also known as: ["Kangaroo's Tail Senecio","Dwarf Cineraria"]
Overview
A striking succulent with silvery-gray, fuzzy leaves and daisy-like flowers, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Senecio |
| Botanical Name: | Senecio candidans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, airy space or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to prevent scorching; move indoors during extreme heat or cold; ensure good air circulation if placed outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply to encourage root growth; adjust for season and environment.
Soil
well-draining, sandy potting mix with perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes, avoid heavy clay soils, and use a mix designed for succulents.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates a range of 50–80°F (10–27°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid drafty areas, maintain consistent room temperature, and protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced fertilizer for even growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, let it callus for a day, place in medium, keep moist, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil or water.
Quick Tips
Use a sterile cutting tool, ensure nodes are submerged, maintain humidity, and avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or junction; pinch back tips for bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth to encourage bushier form; prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, cut above nodes, remove dead growth, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; use fresh soil to replenish nutrients.
Checklist
Choose right pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water lightly, acclimate slowly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture without saturating the leaves; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or yellowing leaves.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, ensure proper drainage, and reduce watering during cold periods.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration if exposed to excessive heat without adequate water or shade.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); cease fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly susceptible to pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning from Senecio candidans. Ingestion can cause severe liver damage, which may be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Senecio candidans can lead to pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning, resulting in liver toxicity. Chronic exposure may cause progressive liver disease and failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicSenecio candidans contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause severe liver damage upon ingestion. These compounds accumulate in the liver over time, leading to chronic liver disease and potential failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Senecio candidans toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Senecio candidans?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Can Senecio candidans be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, indirect light indoors, but ensure good air circulation to prevent pests.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light with so |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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