Succulent with tentacle-like arms growing around stalk

by Natalie

I got this plant at a farmers market a couple weeks ago but forgot to ask the man selling it what kind of plant it is.

I think it's starting to get sick (maybe it isn't getting enough sunlight?) and I would love to learn how to best take care of it, but I can't find it anywhere. Please help!

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Sep 24, 2014

I love this plant!
by: Jacki

This is Senecio mandraliscae, which is one of the easiest plants to grow. It gets too tall, chop its head off. It slumps over and starts to trail, cut it back.

It loves to be pruned - so much so that I used it for a tutorial on pruning, and after I had pruned it and taken pictures, it shot out in all directions with new branches in a much more compact fashion. See the tutorial here.

You have also hit on exactly what to do with it; it definitely needs more light, but it won't grow new branches from the bare stem until you cut off the top.

It roots quickly and easily from stem cuttings, but leave it to callous for a couple of days first, then set it into some dry potting soil. I routinely remake my succulents like this because of the trait of getting too gangly.

See more about succulent plant propagation here, and more about Senecio.

Dec 07, 2020

senecio barbertonicus
by: Patricia

senecio barbertonicus

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