Senecio cephalophorus (Mountain Fire Senecio) Care Indoors, Problems and Remedies
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Senecio cephalophorus commonly called Mountain Fire Senecio or Senecio Mountain Fire is among compact Senecio varieties, and features 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 popular flowering plants for indoor growing.
Botanical name: Senecio cephalophorus
Synonmy: Keinia cephalophora
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Mountain Fire Senecio, Senecio Mountain Fire
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.
Is Senecio cephalophorus toxic?
Yes. Mountain Fire Senecio like other Senecio species is toxic to humans and pets as outlined by ASPCA. 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.
How to care for Senecio cephalophorus indoors
Care for Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire' involves giving it bright light with 4-6 hours of sunshine, warmth of 20-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, free-draining, succulents mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Mountain Fire Senecio 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.
Watering
Water Mountain Fire Senecio liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing leaves and leaf drop.
Lessen watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil barely moist since growth is reduced at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for too long as it can lead to wilting, drooping, leaf loss and wrinkled, shriveled leaves.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is fast-draining to prevent sogginess which can lead to root-rot and eventual plant death. Take care not to wet the foliage to minimize fungal diseases.
Use room temperature water because consistently watering with too cold water can result in stunted growth and leaf drop. Use chlorine-free water to prevent satining of leaves and browning of leaf edges.
Light Requirements
Senecio Mountain Fire thrives in bright light with 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Keep it away from hot midday sun to avoid scorching of the leaves.
Too little light for Senecio cephalophorus can lead to stretched, leggy growth. Therefore, use a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.
Monthly, give the pot a 900 turn to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides, for uniform growth to prevent leggy growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Senecio cephalophorus flourishes in a warmth of 20-260C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent temperature flactuations which can cause slowed growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Mountain Fire Senecio has no need for high humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Maintain good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
Feeding
Feed Mountain Fire Senecio with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season as per the manufacturer's instructions. This plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding. Over-fertilization can cause excessive, weak growth, making the plant leggy.
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 Soil
The best potting mix for Senecio cephalophorus should be a well-draining, sandy soil to avoid waterlogging. A blend of 50% cactus and succulent mix, 30% perlite or pumice (for aeration), and 20% sand (for drainage) 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 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.
- Trimming leggy or stretched stems to encourage a bushier growth.
Senecio cephalophorus Propagation
Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire' is propagated at the beginning of the growing season 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. Learn how to propagate Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire'.
Senecio cephalophorus Problems & Solutions
Mountain Fire Senecio problems are leggy growth, leaf drop, rotting, wilting, leaf spots, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their remedies.
Leggy stems
Leggy stems on Mountain Fire Senecio are caused by overwatering, soggy soil or too little light.
How to fix it
Overwatering: Do not water on a schedule. Water when 2-3 inches of soil dry.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot or instal grow lights if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop off Mountain Fire is caused by use of very cold water or inconsistent watering.
How to fix it
Cold water: Water the plant with water that is at room temperature.
Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry and never allow the soil ball to dry out completely for too long.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves on Mountain Fire Senecio are caused by overwatering in the cold period. Reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots on Mountain Fire Senecio are due to underwatering. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry and do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Brown, soft leaf spots
Brown, soft leaf spots on Mountain Fire Senecio are an indication of leaf spot disease. Avoid wetting the leaves and improve air circulation to discourage the disease infestation.
Rotting base and stem collapse
Rotting plant base and stems collapse on 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
Common pests of Mountain Fire Senecio are spider mites, scales and mealybugs which are prevalent in dry conditions. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure to follow the manufacturers instructions.
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