Project Description
Senecio haworthii
Cocoon Plant, Wooly Senecio
This fuzzy succulent can be hard to find, but is wonderful in any arrangement! It has cylindrical, white leaves that look like cocoons. Its leaves grow from woody stems and form little shrubs.
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Quick Look:
Full sun to partial shade
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) wide
Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by leaves and stem cuttings
Can be toxic to animals
Summer Dormant
Also available from Leaf and Clay and Etsy.
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Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Senecio haworthii “Cocoon Plant”
Senecio haworthii “Cocoon Plant” or “Wooly Senecio” does well in container gardens. Its color comes from the tiny white hairs covering the leaves.
Watering
Senecio haworthii has average watering needs for a succulent. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
“Cocoon Plant” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).
Pairs Well With
How to Propagate Senecio haworthii “Cocoon Plant”
Leaves
“Cocoon Plant” propagates extremely well from leaves.
When taking a leaf for propagation, gently twist the leaf from the stem. Be sure that the leaf you get is a “clean pull,” where no part of the leaf is left on the stem. This will give you a better chance of a successful propagation.
Allow the leaf to callous over for a day or two before placing it on well-draining soil.
Cuttings
To grow Senecio haworthii from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Uses
The Afrikaans name for “Cocoon Plant” is “Tontelbos”, meaning “tinderbush”. The white coating of the leaves was removed and used as tinder for starting fires.
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Such a great resource for plant ID. Thanks!!
I just purchased this plant and have been looking for info on how to grow and propagate it . Thank you for all of this help .
I have SUCH a hard time keeping the cocoon plant alive. He will look like he needs water (leaves are kind of shriveling) but when I give him water it is always the kiss of death.
Do you have it planted in well-draining soil? Or in a planter with a drainage hole? Be sure that you’re using the “soak and dry” method when you water, and that should help! Good luck!
Great site! Amazing plants. Very useful for beginners or for those who just added a new plant to their collection and would like to know how to care for it. Great explanation easy to understand and a great way to find out how to care for your new succulents.
Thanks so much! 🙂 We’re glad you like it!