Senecio inaequidens aka South African Ragwort
Taxonomy
Senecio inaequidens, also known as narrow-leaved ragwort or South African ragwort, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. This perennial chamaephyte can grow up to 1 meter in height, with each stem ending in one or a few yellow capitula, forming a loose floral display. The leaves are linear, without petioles, and can be entire or almost so. S. inaequidens exists as a diploid genotype and a tetraploid cytotype. It is important to note that this plant might be poisonous.
Ragwort control can be achieved through methods such as chemical spraying and wiping, digging out live or dying plants, site clearance, cutting back plants to prevent seed dropping, and using a spot burner to burn the plants.
As a houseplant, Narrow-Leaved Ragwort is super rare and requires very little water to thrive. It prefers abundant sunlight and well-draining soil. Repotting each time it doubles in size should provide enough nutrients without the need for added fertilizers.
Common names
South African Ragwort, Narrow Leaf Ragwort, Molteno Disease Weed, Narrow Leaved RagwortHow to care for South African Ragwort
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for South African Ragwort due to its easy-going nature.
Water
South African Ragwort does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The South African Ragwort is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the South African Ragwort prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for South African Ragwort to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Humidity
South African Ragwort thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The growth of South African Ragwort is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
South African Ragwort’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Senecio Genus
Senecio skirrhodon Gravel Groundsel
Senecio flaccidus Threadleaf Ragwort
Senecio fremontii Fremont's Groundsel
Senecio crassissimus Vertical Leaf
Senecio sylvaticus Heath Groundsel
Senecio integerrimus Gaugeplant
Senecio rigidus Senecio Rigidus
Senecio esleri Senecio Esleri
