Senecio angulatus, commonly known as creeping groundsel or trailing African daisy, is a fast-growing succulent plant from the Asteraceae family. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, it has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world for its ornamental value.
This plant features trailing, fleshy stems that can grow up to 1 meter long. Its small, triangular leaves have serrated edges and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are small, yellow or orange, and bloom from late spring through summer.
Senecio angulatus is easy to cultivate, thriving in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil. While it can tolerate drought conditions, it prefers regular watering during its growing season. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by dividing mature plants.
Although Senecio angulatus is an attractive ornamental plant, it contains toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage if ingested by humans or animals. Therefore, caution should be exercised when handling this plant, especially around children and pets.
Overall, Senecio angulatus makes a great addition as ground cover for gardens due to its fast growth rate and appealing appearance when in bloom during the summer months!
Creeping groundsel gets its name from an old word, "groundeswelge," which means "ground swallower," highlighting its rapid growth and spreading ability. In some regions, it is also called "Grundy Swallow." Its Latin name, Senecio angulatus, is derived from "Senex," meaning "an old man." This likely refers to the plant's white, fluffy seed heads that disperse in the wind, leaving behind a bald seed head.
Creeping groundsel is fairly resistant to disease and usually does not suffer from them. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are generally mild. In terms of care, the plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a tidy appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Creeping groundsel is well suited for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive experience in plant care. It may demand more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Senecio Angulatus.
Light
Creeping groundsel does best in places with abundant, steady sunlight, although it can tolerate reduced exposure. In its native habitats the plant spreads in open areas that get plenty of sun. Too little light results in suboptimal growth, while too much light increases its susceptibility to disease.
Water
Creeping groundsel flourishes in humid environments and has a moderate tolerance for drought, preferring a balanced intake of water. It generally needs to be watered once a week. As an evergreen plant, creeping groundsel keeps its leaves throughout the year, enabling it to continuously absorb water even during dry seasons.
Temperature
Creeping groundsel is native to temperate regions and performs best at 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). To grow creeping groundsel optimally, maintain temperatures within this range during all seasons.
Fertilizer
Adequate fertilization is essential for Creeping groundsel's health and appearance. Fertilize Creeping groundsel in summer, repeating the treatment monthly throughout summer. Nutrients provide the energy for growth and help maintain the plant's parts. Fertilization improves Creeping groundsel's flower display, helping ensure the best blooms.
Pruning
Creeping groundsel is a robust climbing plant known for its thick, glossy leaves and bright yellow flowers. To manage its growth and promote more blooms, prune it between late winter and early spring. Make sure to use sharp tools to minimize the risk of disease, and dispose of any pruned material appropriately.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Senecio
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 6.1 m
- Mature Spread
- 20.12 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 4.06 cm to 7.62 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Native Area
- South Africa
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Creeping groundsel?
To care for the Creeping groundsel plant, it is recommended to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles that can affect its health. The plant prefers warm water, so avoid using cold water as it can be a shock. It is also important to avoid overwatering the foliage. Instead, water the soil directly until it is thoroughly soaked. This helps moisten the roots and allows them to spread through the soil to collect necessary nutrients.
Why is it necessary to put fertilizer on my Creeping groundsel?
Fertilizer and soil nutrients are necessary for the healthy growth of your Creeping groundsel. Plants generally utilize soil nutrients to develop new plant material and maintain their existing components. In the case of the Creeping groundsel, fertilization is important to enhance the quality of its flowers. Since the flowers are what makes this plant attractive, most gardeners strive to optimize their appearance. Thus, fertilization is a reliable method to help your Creeping groundsel produce its best blooms.
What are the sunlight requirements for Creeping groundsel (Senecio angulatus)?
Creeping groundsel requires full sun, meaning it thrives best in areas that receive more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial sun conditions, with about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to ensure you place your plants in spots that provide the right balance of light and shade. In its native habitats, Creeping groundsel proliferates in open spaces where sunlight is plentiful. Both shortage and excess of light can impact growth negatively, making the plant prone to diseases.
What is the native climate for creeping groundsel?
Creeping groundsel is native to temperate climates and thrives best in a temperature range of 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 °C). To ensure optimal growth, it's important to maintain this temperature range throughout the different seasons. Creeping groundsel is extremely heat-loving, and exposure to cold temperatures can be harmful. Therefore, it's recommended to bring outdoor-grown creeping groundsel indoors during autumn and place it near a bright window, keeping it at a certain distance from heaters to avoid any damage. Temperatures above 20°C are beneficial for its growth during winter, while temperatures approaching 0°C can be detrimental.
What should I do if I give my Creeping groundsel too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering for Creeping groundsel. When this plant gets too much water, its stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Overwatering for a long time can also cause diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can kill the plant. Underwatering is less common but still possible. When it happens, the leaves become brittle and brown. It's important to notice the signs of overwatering early to prevent irreversible damage. Reduce watering and check the soil drainage if you see signs of overwatering. If the soil drains poorly, replace it with a well-draining potting mix. If the plant lacks water, simply water more regularly until the signs improve.
When should I fertilize my Creeping groundsel?
The Creeping groundsel has two main phases throughout the year. The first phase is the dormant phase which occurs in winter and involves minimal new growth. The second phase is the active growth phase, which happens in spring and fall. During this phase, the Creeping groundsel requires fertilization. It is recommended to start fertilizing in spring, repeating once a month through spring and most of summer. As fall approaches, the fertilization rate can be reduced.
How can artificial lighting benefit indoor plants, and what are the best practices?
Indoor plants, including Creeping groundsel, require adequate lighting for optimal growth, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, such as in winter or less sunny spaces. Artificial lights, particularly LED lights designed to provide specific wavelengths, are a vital solution. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is recommended; partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft. Position the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, ensuring it receives 8-12 hours of light per day to promote faster, healthier growth.
How does low temperature affect creeping groundsel and what should I do?
Creeping groundsel prefers warm environments and is not tolerant of low temperatures, thriving best when the temperature remains above 20°C. During winter, it is crucial to keep the plant's surroundings above 0°C to prevent harm. Exposure to temperatures below -5°C may cause the leaves to lighten in color, which, following frost damage, can turn brown or black. Symptoms such as wilting and drooping may also occur. To mitigate frost damage, trim off the frost-damaged parts and move the plant to a warm, indoor environment for protection. Place it near a south-facing window to ensure it receives ample sunlight, and avoid placing it near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent air dryness.
How many times should I give water to my Creeping groundsel?
If your Creeping groundsel plant is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is by checking the moisture level in the soil. Simply stick your finger into the soil and see if the top two to three inches are dry. If they are, then it's time to water your plant. For those growing Creeping groundsel outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Once again, if you find that the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to give it some water. Generally, during the spring and early fall, you will likely need to water this plant about once a week using this method. However, as the weather gets hotter, you may need to increase the frequency to twice or even more per week. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Creeping groundsel plants have a remarkable ability to withstand drought.
When shouldn't I put fertilizer on my Creeping groundsel?
If you want to promote the growth of Creeping groundsel, remember to avoid causing root burn. This plant is most active and requires extra nutrients during spring and summer, while it enters a dormant stage in fall and winter. Therefore, it's important to stop fertilizing during these dormant months.
What are the signs of insufficient light exposure in Creeping groundsel?
Insufficient light can lead to various symptoms in Creeping groundsel, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, and slower or no new growth. Leaves may develop lighter colors or irregular patterns, indicating a lack of chlorophyll. Conditions such as chlorosis, where leaves lose their green color, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching can also occur due to inadequate sunlight or excessive exposure.
How should creeping groundsel be cared for in high temperatures?
During the summer, it's important to keep the temperature below 38°C for creeping groundsel. If the temperature exceeds 43°C, the leaves may become lighter in color, indicating an increased susceptibility to sunburn. To care for creeping groundsel in such conditions, trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. Move the plant to a shaded location to protect it from the midday and afternoon sun. Ensure the soil remains moist by watering the plant in the morning and evening.
