Spear Head

Spear Head Care

Senecio kleiniiformis

What is the plant

Senecio kleiniiformis is a species of flowering plant in the genus Senecio and family Asteraceae. It was considered to be in the genus Kleinia. This species is thought to be found only in cultivation. Its leaves are blue-green and triangular shaped.

Senecio kleiniiformis, commonly called Spear head is a slow-growing succulent with light grey-green fleshy leaves, which are basically three(or five)-sided and look a bit like a spear or arrow tip. The species is variable; in some instances, leaves may be shorter and spoon shaped. It produces profuse pale yellow flowers that are not that attractive at the end of summer and early fall. It makes an attractive patio or porch plant in warmer climates, and can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates. Like many succulents, spear head is an easy plant to grow as long as you provide for its basic needs.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

10°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

min 9b

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water spear head once every two to three weeks during the growing season, from spring to late summer. Water the soil until it is thoroughly moist and allow the pot to drain thoroughly. Only water the soil when it is dry, and do not water the plant if it is getting rainwater. Water the plant once a month during winter and only if the soil is thoroughly dry.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing spear head encourages stronger, healthier growth. Fertilize the plant with a liquid 2-7-7 succulent fertilizer once a month from spring to late summer. Add 7 drops of the fertilizer to 1 quart of water and sprinkle the fertilizer around the soil. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer label, as rates vary by brand.
Sunlight
Spear head prefers partial shade rather than strong sun. Place spear head on a lightly shaded patio, porch or balcony or near a window where it will receive direct morning sun or partly shaded afternoon sun.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
This cactus requires a free draining enriched soil, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline but is very tolerant of poor soils.
Temperature
It is cultivated in open air in the tropical and warm Mediterranean climate, with temperatures which it is good to keep over the 5°C, best 10-12°C, but can withstand light frost for short periods if very dry (hardy down -5º C, even if with damage to the foliage).
Container
Choose any type of container with enough drainage holes.