💎 The Colorful Senecio 'Ruby Slippers' (Senecio cephalophorus)

The Senecio cephalophorus is a striking and versatile succulent, highly prized for its vibrant, color-changing foliage and incredibly low-maintenance, robust nature. Originating from the arid regions of South Africa, this plant is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens due to its resilience.

Foliage and Form

The foliage is the plant's main feature. It typically displays a beautiful blue-green hue in its thick, fleshy leaves. However, a fun fact is that the edges of the leaves can turn a brilliant red or purple when exposed to bright sunlight, giving it its common name, 'Ruby Slippers'. The leaves grow in rosettes or clusters. It is a drought-tolerant and evergreen species, retaining its colorful foliage all year. This specimen is compact, standing at about 15 cm (6 inches) high.

Flowering and Color

In addition to its colorful leaves, this succulent produces small yellow flowers in the summer months. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, the same family as sunflowers and daisies. It is not known for a strong fragrance.

Height and Spines

The plant maintains a compact, mounding, and upright form, well-suited for its 10.5 cm pot size. This plant does not have thorns or spines.

Care and Requirements

As a desert native, this plant is exceptionally hardy. It prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate direct sunlight (which encourages the red/purple leaf color). It thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 24°C. It must be planted in well-draining soil. You should feed it monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer.

Watering

This is a plant that requires minimal water. You must water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Watering should be significantly reduced in winter. Overwatering is the biggest threat to its health.

Note: The Senecio genus contains a variety of plants, and while generally not fatal in small quantities, many are considered toxic if ingested, especially to livestock, and can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. It is best to consider all ornamental succulents non-edible and keep them out of reach of pets and children.