Photo: Matilda SmithPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Senecio kirkii Plant Care
Urostemon kirkii (Hook.f. ex Kirk) B.Nord.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its striking blue-green leaves with a silver sheen, making it a standout in any collection. Originating from the tropical regions of Africa, Urostemon kirkii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual color and texture, adding a touch of exotic beauty to indoor spaces.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Senecio kirkii?
Water Senecio kirkii every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Senecio kirkii Native To?
What Is the Senecio kirkii?
Senecio kirkii (Urostemon kirkii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Urostemon genus. Senecio kirkii is native to New Zealand. Senecio kirkii is also known as Brachyglottis kirkii, nan.
Senecio kirkii displays a compact, mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Senecio kirkii produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow and orange.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Senecio kirkii?
Urostemon kirkii requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Senecio kirkii Need?
Senecio kirkii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Senecio kirkii Prefer?
Urostemon kirkii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Senecio kirkii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Senecio kirkii?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Senecio kirkii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Senecio kirkii?
Feed Senecio kirkii every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Senecio kirkii?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Senecio kirkii?
Senecio kirkii can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps.
Is the Senecio kirkii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Senecio kirkii?
Senecio kirkii is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Senecio kirkii Need?
Senecio kirkii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Senecio kirkii is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Senecio kirkii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Senecio kirkii is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Urostemon genus — compare its care with other Urostemon species on PlantoScan.
Urostemon is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Senecio kirkii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Urostemon kirkii (Hook.f. ex Kirk) B.Nord., family Asteraceae (first published in Opera Bot. 44: 33 (1978)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Senecio kirkii is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Matilda Smith, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11a, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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