Scrambling Groundsel (Senecio angulatus) Indoor Care; Watering, Propagation, Problems

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Senecio angulatus also called Scrambling Groundsel, Climbing Groundsel, Creeping Groundsel or Algerian Senecio is a scrambling and twining, shrubby Senecio variety whose leaf lobes are fleshy, glossy, green, pointed, coarsely-toothed with 3-5 teeth on each side. The leaves are alternately arranged and about 8 inches long by 5.5 inches wide.

Scrambling Groundsel is similar to Senecio mikaniodes (German Ivy) but the leaves in German Ivy have several pointed lobes.

The veining stems can either trail in a hanging basket or be trained up a moss pole or a trellis. It is one of the popular succulents for hanging baskets. To control growth indoors, regularly pinch off the growing tips which also encourages bushyness and promotes flowering.

Botanical name: Senecio angulatus
Synonmy: Senecio macropodus
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Creeping Groundsel, Climbing Groundsel, Scrambling Groundsel, Algerian senecio

Origin

Senecio angulatus is native to South Africa where it grows as a vine that climbs up trees and can reach a height of 6.6 feet in the wild.

Flower

Scrambling Groundsel produces clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like, sweet-scented flowers borne at the end of the stems.

Invasiveness

According to Greater Wellington Pest and Weed Central, Scrambling Groundsel has been found to be invasive. It is not recommended to be planted in the ground as given time, it will smoother trees. To counter this invasive nature, always destroy the underground rhizomes before discarding as they easily resprout.

Is Senecio angulatus toxic?

Yes. Senecio angulatus is toxic to both humans and pets according to ASPCA. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets.

How to Care for Senecio angulatus Indoors

To care for Scrambling Groundsel indoors, give it medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-28⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Senecio angulatus requires pruning to keep the plant neat, to minimize pest and disease infestation and promote a bushy growth. Repotting is only needed whens pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Senecio angulatus thoroughly in spring and summer until water flows out through the drainage hole. Allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.

Decrease watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time. However, do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can result in wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Avoid watering with cold water consistently to prevent cold shock which can lead to stunted growth and leaf fall; use tepid (room temperature) water. Water with chlorine-free water like rainwater to avoid staining and browning.

Select a pot that has a draiange hole and soil that drain easily to prevent waterlogging as it can result in root-rot and eventual plant death. Take care not to wet the foliage to minimize fungal disease infestations.

Light Requirements

Scrambling Groundsel grows best in medium to bright indirect light conditions; place it near a large, brightly-lit, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves.

If the light is too low, the plant will respond with yellowing and leggy growth. Where the natural lighting is not adequate, use full spectrum grow lights to complement it.

Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth as well as prevent leggy growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Scrambling Groundsel prefers a warmth of 18-28⁰C; a temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for the plant. Keep it away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors and windows and others, to prevent temperature flactuations as they can cause reduced growth, wilting, yellowing and leaf loss.

Creeping Groundsel has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is enough for this plant. Ensure proper ventillation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Scrambling Groundsel with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season for lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time.

Potting Mix

The best soil for Scrambling Groundsel should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid sogginess. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents mix is best as it drains easily.

Repotting

Repot Creeping Groundsel every 2-3 years during the growing period. Use a pot which is 1 size larger that has a drainage hole to rotting and death of the plant. Take a look at these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Scrambling Groundsel involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations.

To encourage a bushy, compact growth, pinch off the growing tips. You may choose to use the tips propagate new plants.

Cutback the leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Occasionally clean the leaves under a stream of running water, to get rid of dust which increases the surface area for light absorption, and to depress pests infestation.

Senecio angulatus Propagation

Scrambling Groundsel is propagated at the beginning of the growing season from the stems. They root easily so there is no need for rooting hormone. The stems can be rooted in 3 ways.

Taking Scrambling Groundsel stem-tip cuttings

1. Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 inches from a healthy plant. Ensure that each cutting has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip of the lower leaves to expose the stem and the leaf nodes.

1. Rooting Scrambling Groundsel stem-tip cuttings in soil

1. Fill your rooting container with well-drained, rooting mix and moisten it lightly.


2. With a pencil or similar object make a hole in the moist rooting mix.


3. Insert 2-3 inches of the stem cutting in the previously made hole. Lightly cover the base of the cutting with the rooting mix.


4. Place the set up in warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


5. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth is observed.


6. Transfer the new plants to individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.

2. Rooting Scrambling Groundsel stem-tip cuttings in water

1. Place 2-3 inches of the stem cuttings in a jar of plain water.


2. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


3. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent fungal growth.
4. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into moist potting soil.


5. Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunshine.


6. Keep the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.


7. Transfer the new plants to pots one size large and begin routine care. Several cuttings can be planted in one pot for a fuller plant.

3. Propagating Scrambling Groundsel by spreading the stems on the soil surface

1. Spread the stems on the soil surface while still attached to the mother plant. Press the stems lightly so that they touch the soil.


2. After some time, the stems will root at every point that they are in contact with the soil.


3. Once rooted, sever the stems from the mother plant. Dig them up and pot in moist, well-draing soil in individual pots.


4. Place the new plants in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


5. Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.

Senecio angulatus Problems & Solutions

Scrambling Groundsel problems are drooping leaves, brown & curled leaves, leggy growth, pests and diseases . Keep reading for more on these problems and their remedies.

Drooping leaves

Drooping leaves on Senecio angulatus are due to inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top half of soil dries out and do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole amd a fast-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, heat sources, hot air vents, open doors and windows among others.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop off Scrambling Groundsel is due to too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, aging among others.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in medium to bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top half of soil dries out but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and a well-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like open doors, hot air vents, AC units, heat sources among others. Avoid watering with cold water.

Aging: This is a natural process. As the lower leaves mature, they turn yellow, brown and drop off.

Brown & curled leaves

Brown leaves and curled edges on Scrambling Groundsel are caused by overwatering or soggy soil.

How to fix it

Overwatering: Water the plant only when the top half of soil has dried out and cut down on watering in the cold season.

Soggy soil: Ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and undersized leaves on Scrambling Groundsel are caused by too little light.

How to fix it

Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.

Pests

Common pests of Scrambling Groundsel are mealybugs, scale insects and aphids which are common in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants.


2. Treat the infested plant a neem oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.


3. Inspect the plant for these pests regularly and take timely control measures.


4. Keep the plant well pruned to discourage these pests.


5. To reduce pest infestations, group the plants together or set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity.

Diseases

Senecio angulatus is prone to the following diseases:

1. Leaf spot disease which is prevalent in damp, stuffy conditions. The disease presents as brown, soft leaf spots.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to the other plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.


3. Maintain free air circulation to discourage the diseases.


4. Water the plant from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.


5. Always allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings.


6. Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.

2. Root-rot disease which is prevalent in too wet conditions. The disease is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves which is rapidly followed by browning and plant collapse.

How to fix it

1. Slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots; brown-black mushy roots indicate root-rot.


2. Trim the rotten roots and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as indicated by the manufacturer.


3. Repot the plant in fresh soil and a fresh pot. Use a pot with a drainage hole and fast-draining soil.


4. Position the plant in bright light and withhold watering for a 10-14 days to give the plant enough time to recover. After the dry period, resume routine care.

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