Senecio mikanioides Plant Care

Senecio mikanioides (Kleinia odora) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Kleinia genus. Senecio mikanioides is native to Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Senecio mikanioides is also known as Cacalia fragrans.

Senecio mikanioides displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Senecio mikanioides produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Senecio mikanioides every 10–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Senecio mikanioides thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Senecio mikanioides in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Kleinia odora tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Senecio mikanioides prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Senecio mikanioides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Senecio mikanioides every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining succulent mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Senecio mikanioides is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Senecio mikanioides can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Senecio mikanioides while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Senecio mikanioides is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Senecio mikanioides can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to notonia amaniensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Senecio mikanioides is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. 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.

Senecio mikanioides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Senecio mikanioides is native to Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. In cooler regions, grow Senecio mikanioides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.