If you enjoy succulent plants, or even if you’re just a beginner looking for something interesting and easy to care for, then the Senecio cocoon plant may be just the thing. Read on to learn more about it.
What is a Cocoon Plant?
The Senecio cocoon plant, botanically called Senecio haworthii, is a small shrub-like specimen, growing upright to 12 inches (30 cm.) in its native South African conditions. A perennial plant, this succulent has most appealing white foliage, making it a must-have in the serious collection.
If you grow the woolly senecio in a container, keep in mind
that potting up into larger containers allows it to get bigger over the years,
although it is unlikely for the domesticated plant to reach the size of one
growing in the wild.
Minuscule pure white hairs on the leaves are thick and pubescent, covering the foliage with a shimmering effect as they inch upward in a cylindrical form. The tubular leaves, resembling a moth’s cocoon, leads to the common name.
Growing Cocoon Plant Info
Cocoon plant info advises full sun for this succulent plant.
Four to six hours of morning sun is preferable. If this is not possible,
consider adding an artificial light for this plant. When growing or
overwintering indoors, a south or west window may provide enough sun.
Outside, this plant can take temperatures of 25-30 F. (-6 to
-1 C.), in a sheltered location, but must be absolutely dry to survive. More
likely, you’ll bring it in inside for cold winters. Include it in a dish garden
with blue
senecio for an attractive contrasting combination indoors.
If the upright posture begins to droop with the weight of
new stems and leaves, prune from the main stem. Cuttings will root, as will
fallen leaves. Expect robust growth from the clipping point if you’ve pruned in
early spring.
Cocoon plant care includes limited watering in summer.
Overwatering is fatal to this plant, so if you’re new to growing
drought-tolerant succulents such as woolly senecio, don’t give in to the urge
to water when it might not be needed. A gentle squeeze of the leaf allows you
to know when it might be time for some water. If the leaf is firm, it is holding
adequate water.
If you enjoy succulent plants, or even if you’re just a beginner looking for something interesting and easy to care for, then the Senecio cocoon plant may be just the thing. Read on to learn more about it.
What is a Cocoon Plant?
The Senecio cocoon plant, botanically called Senecio haworthii, is a small shrub-like specimen, growing upright to 12 inches (30 cm.) in its native South African conditions. A perennial plant, this succulent has most appealing white foliage, making it a must-have in the serious collection.
If you grow the woolly senecio in a container, keep in mind
that potting up into larger containers allows it to get bigger over the years,
although it is unlikely for the domesticated plant to reach the size of one
growing in the wild.
Minuscule pure white hairs on the leaves are thick and pubescent, covering the foliage with a shimmering effect as they inch upward in a cylindrical form. The tubular leaves, resembling a moth’s cocoon, leads to the common name.
Growing Cocoon Plant Info
Cocoon plant info advises full sun for this succulent plant.
Four to six hours of morning sun is preferable. If this is not possible,
consider adding an artificial light for this plant. When growing or
overwintering indoors, a south or west window may provide enough sun.
Outside, this plant can take temperatures of 25-30 F. (-6 to
-1 C.), in a sheltered location, but must be absolutely dry to survive. More
likely, you’ll bring it in inside for cold winters. Include it in a dish garden
with blue
senecio for an attractive contrasting combination indoors.
If the upright posture begins to droop with the weight of
new stems and leaves, prune from the main stem. Cuttings will root, as will
fallen leaves. Expect robust growth from the clipping point if you’ve pruned in
early spring.
Cocoon plant care includes limited watering in summer.
Overwatering is fatal to this plant, so if you’re new to growing
drought-tolerant succulents such as woolly senecio, don’t give in to the urge
to water when it might not be needed. A gentle squeeze of the leaf allows you
to know when it might be time for some water. If the leaf is firm, it is holding
adequate water.