Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire' Indoor Care and Common Problems with Remedies
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Mountain Fire Senecio (Senecio cephalophorus) grows best in bright light with some direct sunshine, moderate warmth, average humidity and moderately moist, rich, free-draining, succulents soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Senecio cephalophorus is among the compact Senecio varieties with a rosette of paddle-shaped, grey-green, succulent leaves on branching stems and a large head of dark-orange inflorescence borne above the foliage on a long stalk.
The species name, 'cephalophorus', is Latin for 'head-bearing', in reference to the large head inflorescence. Mountain Fire Senecio is one of the best flowering plants for indoor growing.
Botanical name: Senecio cephalophorus
Synonmy: Keinia cephalophora
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Mountain Fire Senecio
Origin
Senecio cephalophorus also called Kleinia cephalophora is a perennial, succulent plant native to South Africa.
Size
Mountain Fire Senecio grows to a height of 1.5-2 feet by 1 feet wide in about 4-6 years. The plant quickly forms offsets which can be used to grow new plants.
Toxicity
Mountain Fire Senecio like other Senecio species is toxic to humans and pets as outlined by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Senecio plants contain Pyrrolizidine alkaloids which if is ingested, can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation or skin rash in sensitive skin therefore, always wear gloves when handling the plant. Keep the Mountain Fire Senecio away from the reach of children and pets to avoid mishaps.
Mountain Fire Senecio Care Indoors
Mountain Fire Senecio (Senecio cephalophorus) performs best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, moderate warmth of 20-260C, average humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, free-draining, succulents mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Senecio cephalophorus requires pruning to keep the plant neat and to minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when the plant has become pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light Requirements
Mountain Fire Senecio grows best in bright light of morning or late afternoon sunlight of at least 4-6 hours. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to avoid scorching the leaves.
Senecio cephalophorus can be grown under a grow light where the natural lighting is inadequate. You may get full spectrum grow lights from Amazon.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.
Watering
Water Mountain Fire Senecio moderately during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Lessen watering during the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely as it can lead to wilting.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole inorder to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in root-rot and death of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 20-260C during the growing season is ideal for Mountain Fire Senecio. Keep it away from cold drafts as they can cause sudden drops in temperature which may result in leaf drop.
Mountain Fire Senecio has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Ensure that there is good air circulation to reduce fungal disease infestations.
Feeding
Feed Mountain Fire Senecio during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer as per the manufacturer's instructions. This plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding.
Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Mountain Fire Senecio should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. Cactus and succulents soil is ideal as it drains easily.
Repotting
Mountain Fire Senecio has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot it at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Use a pot that is only 1 size larger than the current one. Ascertain that the pot has has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Use a shallow pot as the root system is tiny and be careful not to bury the leaves to prevent rotting. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes and saucer on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Mountain Fire Senecio involves removal of any dead flowers, leaves and stems to keep the plant neat and also minimize pest and disease infestations.
Propagation
Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire' is propagated at the beginning of the growing season (spring) from stem cuttings or from offsets which root easily so there is no need for a rooting hormone. Propagating at this time hastens establishment as the plant is actively growing.
Read more on how to propagate Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire' in 3 easy ways.
Senecio cephalophorus Common Problems
Mountain Fire Senecio (Senecio cephalophorus) growing problems include leggy growth, rotting, plant dying, leaf spots, wilting, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Brown, soft leaf spots
Brown, soft leaf spots in Mountain Fire Senecio are an indication of leaf spot disease. Avoid wetting the leaves and improve air circulation to prevent disease infestations.
Rotting base and stem collapse
Rotting plant base and stems collapse in Mountain Fire Senecio is an indication of basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions. Avoid overwatering during the cold season. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.
Pests
The common pests in Mountain Fire Senecio are spider mites, scales and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it for the pests. Learn how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Leggy stems (elongated stems)
Leggy stems (elongated stems) in Mountain Fire Senecio in the cold season is due to overwatering or soggy soil. Decrease watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
If leggy growth (elongated stems) in Mountain Fire Senecio happens during the growing season, then the cause is too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it receives bright light with some direct sunlight of at least 4-6 hours or instal grow lights if the natural lighting is not adequate. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth to avoid leggy growth. Check out this post on understanding light for houseplants.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots in Mountain Fire Senecio are due to underwatering resulting in too little moisture in the soil. The plant requires the soil to be kept moderately moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold period.
Water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to keep it moderately moist. Reduce watering during the cold period to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water houseplants the right way.
Leaf drop
There are two possible causes on leaf drop in Mountain Fire. One possible cause is watering with very cold water. Being a tropical plant where temperatures are warm, watering with too cold water will shock the plant. Water the plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in Mountain Fire Senecio is underwatering. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves in Mountain Fire Senecio are caused by overwatering during the cold period. Reduce watering during the cold season and maintain the soil barely moist.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.