Senecio stapeliiformis (Pickle Plant)

Senecio stapeliiformis (Pickle Plant) is a succulent perennial with erect to reclining, fleshy, bluish-green pencil-like stems, up to 10 in. long (2-25 cm) and 0.8 inches across (2 cm). They are adorned with purple-green patterns and lined with soft spines along the sides. In summer, brilliant red to orange thistle-like flowers, up to 1.4 in. across (4 cm), sit at the top of the stem. Easy to grow, Pickle Plant is great for containers and can be grown as a houseplant. Slightly cascading when mature, it is also perfect for hanging baskets. Fast-growing, this attractive succulent spreads by underground rhizomes to form a great succulent ground cover in frost-free climates. Protect from cold, as this species is frost sensitive and only hardy to 23°F (-5°C) for brief periods.

• Grows up to 10 in. tall (24 cm).
• Easily grown in airy, well-drained soils in sun or light shade. Water moderately during the growing season. Keep dry at other times. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Drought tolerant.
• Unlike many succulent plants, Senecio is a winter grower and summer dormant.
• Feed 2 or 3 times with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
• Excellent for rock gardens, succulent gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or containers.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for scale insects. Susceptible to fungal diseases if over-watered.
• Propagate by seed sown at 66-70°F (19-21°C) in early spring or by cuttings.
• Native to South Africa.