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Cactus Succulent

Caputia tomentosa

matted caputia

A succulent sub-shrub with fleshy, cylindrical white-hairy leaves arranged spirally round the stems and, occasionally, disk-like orange flower-heads 2cm across in summer

Other common names
ashweed
cocoon plant
Synonyms
Kleinia tomentosa
Senecio haworthii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Orange
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
All parts of the plants are toxic. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus

A small genus of flowering succulents, native to South Africa, with clusters of silvery-white to green fleshy, cylinder-shaped leaves. Drought-tolerant and may produce daisy-like bright yellow flowers on long stems above the foliage

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sharply drained soil in full sun. Under glass use a peat-free, loam-based soil with the addition of extra grit. Water moderately during the growing period and reduce water in the winter months, keeping the soil barely moist.

Propagation

Senecio haworthii rarely produces seed and the most reliable form of propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summeer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning generally required

Pests

Aphids and glasshouse red spider mite can be a problem under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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