Senecio macroglossus 'Variegatus' Ø5.5cm

Senecio macroglossus 'Variegatus' is a trailing succulent from the Asteraceae family, native to South Africa, with triangular variegated leaves in green, cream, and butter-yellow that faithfully mimic true ivy. The waxy texture of its leaves earns it the popular name 'wax ivy.' Ideal for hanging baskets and shelves, it grows rapidly and produces yellow daisy-like flowers during the cool season. Growth and development Senecio macroglossus 'Variegatus' grows with surprising vigour for a succulent, adding 30-50 cm of growth per year under optimal conditions. The habit is trailing-climbing: stems elongate continuously, branching at nodes, and can be trained on supports (arches, decorative ladders) or left to cascade freely from hanging baskets. At maturity, a well-maintained plant can develop stems 1-2 metres long, creating spectacular cascades of variegated foliage. Compared to other trailing succulents in the genus (such as Senecio rowleyanus - 'string of pearls' or Senecio radicans - 'string of bananas'), S. macroglossus is distinguished by its larger, more decorative foliage, more vigorous growth, and superior resilience to indoor conditions. It is even more easy-going about humidity than Senecio rowleyanus and happily tolerates indirect light, while in brighter light the variegation becomes more pronounced and colourful. Light: Bright indirect light with a few hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun. Insufficient light causes loss of variegation (leaves become predominantly green) and internal stretching (etiolation). An east or southeast-facing window is ideal. Temperature: 15-25°C optimal. Tolerates a minimum of 5°C for short periods. Do not expose to frost. Prefers slightly cooler temperatures in winter (12-18°C) to encourage flowering. Watering: Allow the substrate to dry completely between waterings. Moderate watering in summer (once every 7-10 days), reduced in winter (once every 2-3 weeks). Let the substrate dry out between waterings to keep the roots healthy and happy. Humidity: 40-60%. Does not require high humidity. Adapts well to the dry air of heated interiors. Substrate: Well-draining succulent mix: universal potting soil (40%) + perlite (30%) + coarse sand (30%). Alternatively, commercial cactus and succulent substrate. Fertilisation: Monthly during the growing season (April-September) with liquid succulent fertiliser diluted to half the recommended strength. Do not fertilise in winter. Propagation: Extremely easy by stem cuttings (8-10 cm sections, left to callus for 1-2 days, then planted in moist substrate). Roots in 2-3 weeks. Best period: spring to summer. Specifications Pot diameter: 5.5 cm Total height (incl. pot): 15 cm Flowering stage: No flowers