Ragwort — home care

Senecio belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Previously to this genus belonged to the genus kleinia, now he again became independent.

Members of this genus are trees, shrubs and many herbaceous plants (annual, biennial and perennial).

Each of the representatives is widely distributed throughout the earth.

In Central Russia there are 15 types of plants that bloom mainly in autumn, their blossoms a bit like a dandelion. Some of the species are used as a basket plant.

Growing Senecio

 Location and lighting

Flower likes a light, well-tolerate the direct rays of the sun, so there is no need to shade the plants in summer. Winter needs additional lighting.

Temperature

In winter, Ragwort are best kept indoors with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 16°C.

Watering and humidity

Need to be watered moderately, to prevent waterlogging. Which quickly rots the root system, which leads to the death of the plant.

Careful watering is necessary in the winter must almost stop, but to ensure that no dry soil ball.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer plant use fertilizer for cacti, to be paid when watering. In winter there is no need of fertilization of the flower, otherwise, high plant until the spring will become weak and may die.

Transplantation and propagation

Transplant Ragwort is held in early spring each year (the ideal time for transplanting is considered to be the end of February – beginning of March). The plant is easily propagated by seeds and cuttings (leaf and stem).

Pests and fight with them

The flower is rarely attacked by pests and diseases. However, improper care and lack of ventilation can lead to the appearance of aphids, spider mites and scale insects. As for the disease, the plant may be affected by Botrytis and powdery mildew.

To avoid pelargonium greenhouse aphid, which sucks all the juices from the leaves and stem, it is necessary to regularly moisturize the air in the room, spray the plants with water.

In the case of severe infection will need treatment with actellic. In the same way you can get rid of spider mites.

To combat Maritime and citrus mealybug treated with the soap solution, in the case of severe lesions used an emulsion of Malathion.