Origin:
The Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck, commonly known as the Suksdorf ragwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and the western United States.
Common names:
Other common names for the Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii include Suksdorf's senecio and mound senecio.
Uses:
The Suksdorf ragwort has primarily ornamental purposes. It is often grown in rock gardens, containers or mixed flower beds.
Appearance:
The Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii plant has a low-growing and mat-forming habit. The plant forms rosettes of narrow, fleshy leaves that are green in color and slightly hairy. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are clustered at the top of slender stems. The blooms appear in summer and fall, and the plant reaches a height of approximately 10cm and a width of up to 50cm.
The leaves and flowers of the Suksdorf ragwort give off a strong chemical aroma, which makes the plant unpalatable to most herbivores.
Light Requirements
The Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck can grow under a wide range of light conditions. However, it prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the plant's leaves and lead to stunted growth. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives bright, filtered sunlight during the day.
Temperature Requirements
The Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. In regions with hot summers, it is best to keep the plant in a shaded area so that it is not exposed to the scorching sun. On the other hand, in colder regions, it is essential to protect the plant from frost during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck is an easy-going plant that grows well in a range of soil types. Ideally, the soil should be well-draining, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, and rich in organic matter. The roots of the plant are shallow, so it is best to plant it in a pot with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. It is also beneficial to add perlite or sand to the soil mixture to increase the drainage capacity.
Cultivation Methods
S. cymbalarioides var. suksdorfii is a low-growing succulent plant suitable for growing in rock gardens, containers, or hanging baskets. The plant requires well-drained soil, which can be prepared by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite with regular potting soil. The plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade in hot climates where the sun is too harsh.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of S. cymbalarioides var. suksdorfii vary depending on the season, with the plant requiring more water during the growing season than in winter. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods of dry weather, but it shouldn't be left to dry out completely. Water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out partially before watering it again. In winter, reduce watering to once a month to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
S. cymbalarioides var. suksdorfii needs minimal fertilization, and too much can damage the plant. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a diluted liquid fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer on your plant's soil once or twice a year. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
Pruning
Pruning S. cymbalarioides var. suksdorfii is not necessary, but it can be helpful to maintain the plant's shape and size. To prune your plant, simply remove any dead or damaged leaves using a pair of sterilized pruning shears. You can also pinch off any overgrown or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Be cautious not to cut into the plant's stem, as it can cause severe damage to the plant.
Propagation of Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck
Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck, commonly known as Suksdorf ragwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America and is primarily found in rocky habitats.
There are two main methods for propagating Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii: seed propagation and stem cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii can be grown from seeds. The seeds of this plant are small and should be sown on the surface of a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
After the seeds have sprouted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. It is important to note that seed propagation is a slower process and will take longer for the plant to mature.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, usually in the spring or summer.
Choose a healthy stem and cut a section that is about 3-4 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then, place the stem cutting into a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into an individual pot or directly into the garden. Stem cutting propagation is a quicker method than seed propagation and allows for faster growth and maturity.
Disease Management
Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck is prone to certain diseases that can adversely affect its growth and yield. The common diseases affecting this plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stem of the plant. It is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and can be controlled by regular watering, pruning infected parts, and using fungicides like sulfur or neem oil.
Leaf spot is characterized by brown or black circular spots on the leaves. It is caused by the fungus Alternaria tenuissima and can be controlled through good sanitation practices, avoiding overhead watering, and using fungicides like copper-based products.
Root rot, caused by the fungus Phytophthora nicotianae, is a disease that affects the roots of the plants. It causes the plant to wilt and may result in death. To manage root rot, maintain well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove any infected plants promptly.
Pest Management
Senecio cymbalarioides Buek var. suksdorfii (Greenm.) M.E. Peck is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The common pests affecting this plant include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves. They can be controlled by using natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, spraying the plant with a mixture of water and soap or neem oil, and introducing beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, introducing predatory mites, or using insecticidal soap.
Thrips are small black insects that cause significant damage to the plant. They are known to cause leaf curling, yellowing, and distortion. To manage thrips infestation, remove any infected parts, encourage natural predators, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
