Description
Senecio Stapeliiformis [Sen-ek-ee-o, Sta-pel-ee-ih-FORM-iss], also known as Kleinia stapeliiformis, is an attractive succulent plant perennial which has distinctive pencil-shaped stems with soft spines and purple-green patterns.
This succulent species has reclining to erect stems, which branch out from its rhizomes stem base.
This plant belongs to the family of Asteraceae and is native to South Africa.
You may also hear it called by its common names including:
- Inch worm Plant
- Pickle Plant Succulent
- Pickle cactus
- Trailing Jade
- Spider Plant
- Candle Plant
- Candle Stick
- Stapelia Stemmed Senecio
Size & Growth
The pencil-like stems with purple-green color are highly succulent, soft brittle, cylindrical, and jointed.
Each stem grows 25 cm tall and roughly 2.5 cm wide.
They have four to six grooves, or angles with scale leaves sprouting all along the ribs.
The leaves are typically dark green, and also have an unusual pinkish tinge.
Moreover, underground shoots appear with purple arrowhead markings and silvery green striations underneath each node.
Flowering and Fragrance
Senecio Stapeliiformis grow hawkweed-like, large flowers that are often orange or red.
Light & Temperature
For optimal growth, the pickle plant should be placed under full sun to partial shade.
Give this plant at least three hours of direct sunlight every day; make sure to place it on a balcony or in a garden when the temperature increases to 10° C or more.
The pickle plant prefers warmth throughout the year.
It can tolerate cold temperatures up to 10° – 15° C.
Frost hardy to -5° C.
Watering and Feeding
Once the pickle plant has become well established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
It still needs water, especially in the summer season.
However, you need to make sure its soil doesn’t stay wet for an extended period.
In between watering, it is recommended to let the soil dry out during winters.
These plants grow in sandy soil, which means nutrients must be replenished.
It is best to fertilize it lightly as an extra amount of fertilizer annually can result in leggy growth.
Feed this plant from spring to fall with cacti and succulent liquid, standard, or organic fertilizer after every four to eight weeks.
Freshly-repotted or newly-bought Senecio Kleinia Stapeliiformis doesn’t require feed for a year.
Soil & Transplanting
Senecio Stapeliiformis are not too fussy about the pH of soil.
They can thrive in a neutral range of pH.
However, it is essential to ensure the soil is well-draining and more towards the sandy side.
If the soil is left damp for a prolonged period, the pickle plant will start rotting.
The ideal mix for this plant is a mixture of pumice, bird sand, and potting soil, or any usual mixes used for succulents and cacti are fine for this plant too.
It will also grow in pure pumice.
Grooming and Maintenance
The taller the pencil-like stems grow; they tend to start getting floppy, which is a problem if they are in a potted plant.
These should be pruned back towards the firmer side of the stem during early spring.
If there is a need for repotting, it is best to do it during late spring.
In containers, these plants prefer to enjoy their summers outside but make sure to transfer them indoors during fall.
During the spring and summer seasons, Senecio Stapeliiformis requires more watering to bloom and grow.
You would have to remove flower stems to maintain its tidy appearance.
It is best to trim and remove older stems so there is room for new ones to grow.
Source: https://www.diys.com/pickle-cactus/
