Senecio viscosus aka Sticky Groundsel

Taxonomy

Senecio viscosus, also known as the sticky ragwort, sticky groundsel, or stinking groundsel, is a herbaceous annual plant that can be found along Lake Superior's north shore. It has spread rapidly due to wind-disseminated seeds and can be expected to make its way inland along roads in the Arrowhead and south towards the metro in the near future. Its flower clusters are open and branching, with yellow flower heads that have a bright yellow center disk surrounded by 11 to 20 ray flowers. However, this plant may be poisonous and should be eliminated before it flowers to prevent the seeds from maturing and spreading further. Shallow tilling or hoeing of young plants can effectively control common groundsel, and monitoring for seedlings should continue from early fall to early summer. On the other hand, Sticky Ragwort is a super rare houseplant that needs very little water to thrive and does best in abundant sunlight. It likes soil that is extremely well-draining and doesn't need added fertilizers if it's repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Sticky Groundsel, Sticky Ragwort, Stinking Groundsel

How to care for Sticky Groundsel

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Sticky Groundsel due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Sticky Groundsel does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Sticky Groundsel, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Sticky Groundsel thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Stinking Groundsel.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Sticky Groundsel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Sticky Groundsel prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Sticky Groundsel is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Sticky Groundsel’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia