Photo: SpisahCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Climbing Ragwort Plant Care
Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Delairea is a plant genus within the family Asteraceae that is native to South Africa. Classified within the tribe Senecioneae, it contains only one species, Delairea odorata, which was previously included in the genus Senecio as Senecio mikanioides. It is known as Cape ivy in some parts of the world (US) and German ivy in others (Britain, Ireland). Its multi-lobed leaves somewhat resemble those of the unrelated English ivy. Originally used as an ornamental plant on trellises and as groundcover, it is now rarely cultivated because of its invasiveness, in addition to being a weed.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light to full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Climbing Ragwort?
Water Climbing Ragwort 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 Climbing Ragwort Native To?
What Is the Climbing Ragwort?
Climbing Ragwort (Senecio scandens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Senecio genus. Climbing Ragwort is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Climbing Ragwort is also known as Creeping Groundsel, Cacalia wightiana, Cineraria chinensis.
Climbing Ragwort displays an upright, trailing, or clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Climbing Ragwort produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Climbing Ragwort?
Senecio scandens 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 Climbing Ragwort Need?
Climbing Ragwort thrives in bright indirect light to full sun. Avoid placing Climbing Ragwort 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 Climbing Ragwort Prefer?
Senecio scandens grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Climbing Ragwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Climbing Ragwort?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Climbing Ragwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Climbing Ragwort?
Feed Climbing Ragwort 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 Climbing Ragwort?
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 Climbing Ragwort?
Climbing Ragwort 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 Climbing Ragwort 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 Climbing Ragwort?
Climbing Ragwort 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 Climbing Ragwort Need?
Climbing Ragwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Climbing Ragwort is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Climbing Ragwort 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.
Climbing Ragwort 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 scandens Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don, family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 178 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Climbing Ragwort 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: Spisah, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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