How to Propagate Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire' in 3 Easy Ways

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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.

Mountain Fire Senecio is one of the popular Senecio varieties and bears 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.

Senecio cephalophorus is easy to propagate. We have herebelow outlined 3 methods of propagation by which you can increase your Mountain Fire Senecio plants. Keep reading for more on these methods.

1. How to propagate Senecio cephalophorus from stem cuttings in soil

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• 6-10 inches pots


• Succulents potting mix


• Watering can and clean water

Mountain Fire Senecio stem cutting propagation in soil

1. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife take 3-5 inches stem cuttings from a healthy Mountain Fire Senecio. Ensure each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and retain at least 2 sets of leaves on top. Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 2-3 days in a shaded place to prevent rotting.


3. Fill a 6-8 inches pot with cactus and succulents mix and moisten the soil lightly.


4. With a pencil or similar object make a hole in the moist potting mix. Insert 2-3 inches of the calloussed stem cuttings in the previously made hole. Lightly cover the base of the cutting with the soil.


5. Place the set up in warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid cooking the cuttings. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.


6. Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new Senecio cephalophorus into a pot one size larger than the currect one after which you can begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transplant several cuttings into one pot.

2. How to propagate Senecio cephalophorus from stem cuttings in water

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• Clear jar of water or a propagation station


• Well-drained, potting Mix


• Watering can and clean water


• Small pots about 8-10 inches

Mountain Fire Senecio stem cutting propagation in water

1. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife take cuttings of about 3-5 inches length from a healthy Senecio cephalophorus. Make sure that each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and retain at least 2 sets of leaves on top. Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 2-3 days in a shaded place to discourage rotting.


3. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days to minimze fungal growth.


4. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist succulents potting soil.


5. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight. Maintain the soil moist until there is new growth from the cuttings.


6. Allow substancial growth after which you can begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.

3. How to propagate Senecio cephalophorus from offsets

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• 6-10 inches pots


• Succulents potting mix


• Watering can and clean water

Mountain Fire Senecio propagation from offsets

1. With a clean, sharp cutting tool, seperate the offset from the mother Mountain Fire Senecio while taking care not to cause unnecessary injury to the plant.


2. Strip off the lower leaves to expose 2-3 inches of the stem and ensure that each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


3. Allow the offset to dry (callus) in a shaded place for about 2-3 days to prevent rotting.


4. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


5. Fill the pot with cactus and succulents soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the stem of the offset.


6. Insert 2 inches of the calloused offset stem in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around it while taking care not to bury it too deep.


7. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place until the new Senecio cephalophorus is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Mountain Fire Senecio Plant Care

Mountain Fire Senecio prospers in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, moderate warmth of 20-26⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, free-draining, succulents potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in 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. Read more on how to grow and care for Senecio cephalophorus 'Mountain Fire'.

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