Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Featherleaf groundsel Plant Care
Senecio bipinnatisectus Belcher
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant boasts stunning silver-blue leaves that are deeply lobed, giving it an intricate and eye-catching appearance. Originating from South Africa, Senecio bipinnatisectus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light to full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Featherleaf groundsel?
Water Featherleaf groundsel every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°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 Featherleaf groundsel Native To?
What Is the Featherleaf groundsel?
Featherleaf groundsel (Senecio bipinnatisectus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Senecio genus. Featherleaf groundsel is native to Australia and New Zealand. Featherleaf groundsel is also known as Cutleaf ragwort, Fine-leaved senecio.
Featherleaf groundsel displays an upright, trailing, or clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Featherleaf groundsel produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Featherleaf groundsel?
Senecio bipinnatisectus requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Featherleaf groundsel Need?
Featherleaf groundsel thrives in bright indirect light to full sun. Avoid placing Featherleaf groundsel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Featherleaf groundsel Prefer?
Senecio bipinnatisectus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Featherleaf groundsel prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Featherleaf groundsel?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Featherleaf groundsel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Featherleaf groundsel?
Feed Featherleaf groundsel 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 Featherleaf groundsel?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Featherleaf groundsel?
Featherleaf groundsel can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adenotrichia amplexicaulis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Featherleaf groundsel 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 Featherleaf groundsel?
Featherleaf groundsel is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Featherleaf groundsel Need?
Featherleaf groundsel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Featherleaf groundsel is native to Australia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Featherleaf groundsel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Featherleaf groundsel 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 Senecio genus — compare its care with other Senecio species on PlantoScan.
Senecio is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Featherleaf groundsel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Senecio Species
Other Senecio species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Senecio bipinnatisectus Belcher, family Asteraceae (first published in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 43 1956) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Featherleaf groundsel 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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