Old man (Senecio) is a genus of plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, with over 1000 species. Plants of this genus are found on all continents except Antarctica. Among them you will find beautiful annuals and perennials, shrubs and climbers perfect for garden and greenhouse cultivation, as well as potted plants for growing at home. Learn the most interesting species and rulesgrowing old potted oldies !
Rowley's old man is a succulent with drooping shoots and unusual spherical leaves
A species that may interest lovers of potted plants is undoubtedlyRowley's old man(Senecio rowleyanus, syn. S. herreanus). It is a perennial succulent with slender, hanging shoots and quite unusual, green, spherical leaves, characteristic of this species, resembling unripe berries. The shoots decorated with such leaves look like strings with corals. Rowley's old man is perfect for growing in hanging pots, from which its stems hang freely.
A very similar species isSenecio citriformis , which has no less attractive foliage. Its leaves are spherical elongated with a darker line on the upper side. They resemble small lemons, covered with a wax coating.
Both of the above-mentioned succulent species, originating from Africa, require a sunny position, well-drained soil and not too abundant watering in potted cultivation, and they tolerate periodic drying well.Fertilize moderately only in spring and early summer. In spring or summer, the plants can be propagated from shoot cuttings.
Another very attractive species isivy leaf(Senecio macroglossus). This name was given to him not by accident, because it is very similar to Canary ivy. Its twisting, purple shoots, up to 1 m in length, are covered with fleshy, glossy leaves with pale cream stripes and spots. An additional decoration of the plant are daisy-like, white and yellow flowers, usually appearing in winter. The plant is best led around supports or grown in hanging containers.
The ivy-leaved old man can climb up the supports, and his additional decoration are flowers appearing in winter
The ability to climb on supports is also possessed byshiny old man(Senecio mikanioides). Under favorable conditions, this twisting climber can reach 2 or even 3 m in height.They are decorated with fleshy green leaves with 5-7 wide, pointed, radial flaps and large inflorescences, which appear in autumn and winter, composed of tiny, yellow flower heads.
Both of the above-mentioned potted climbers should be regularly trimmed to maintain their nice habit. The place of their cultivation should be bright, but not in direct sunlight. In winter, they should be watered more sparingly and provide them with a cooler place with a temperature of 7 to 10 ° C. In spring, it is recommended to transplant into pots with fresh, well-drained soil, with the addition of coarse sand.
"In winter and early spring, plants sold ascinerariaappear in flower shops, and other names used are purple old man, cineraria old man and ash pan. As it turns out, all these names are wrong, and the plant, formerly classified as Senecio cruentus, belongs to a completely different genus - Pericallis. He is a hybrid of unknown origin, currently classified asPericallis x hybrida Its greatest decoration are margeritic flowers, gathered in corymbs, growing in circular clusters, fringed by softly hairy, heart-shaped, large leaves. "
The hybrid of Pericallis x hybrida, formerly considered an old man, is decorated with beautiful, multicolored flowers, reminiscent of daisy flowers
These plants are available in a wide range of varieties, varying in both color and shape of the flowers, as well as the strength of growth. In order for them to bloom profusely, provide them with a bright and fairly cool place, preferably at a temperature of 8-10 ° C. We water copiously with the still water at room temperature, only on the stand (watering over the leaves causes the rapid development of gray mold). The substrate must not be allowed to dry out, as the plant will quickly wither and will not regain its strength. Although in nature they are perennial plants, grown at home, they will not bloom again, being only a temporary decoration. More information about cineraria and their varieties can be read on the website of a friendly plant encyclopedia, in the entry Hybrid cineraria - I recommend!
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, among the elderly we can also find species suitable for garden cultivation. The most popular is the silver old man. Its gray, deeply cut leaves are a perfect background for brightly colored bedding plants.
