Senecio cruentas
Cineraria
Cineraria, Senecio cruentus, appears to have originated in England as a cross between S. cruentus and S. heritieri and possibly other species from the Canary Islands. This oldfashioned potted plant is making a comeback because of its long shelf life, cool temperature preference, and new vibrant colors.
Cineraria cruentus from the Canary Islands, after much modification and hybridization, have become the widely cultivated Cineraria we know today. The large leaves with rich green color above and purple beneath are grouped around a large, rounded dense truss of starry flowers. The flower's rays may be white, pink, rose, purple, blue, or bi-colored.
Additional:
After much modification and hybridization, cineraria is now making a marked comeback in the industry. The cineraria's preference for cool temperatures provide long shelf life and has revived its popularity as a flowering plant of choice January through Easter. Flower color schemes of white, pinks, rose, purples and blues add excitement to this rich, old fashioned plant.
Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Light - Use interior light levels of 100 fc ( 1.1 klux) or more to maximize plant quality and flower development. Flowers that open at lower light levels are pale and irregularly colored, especially on the darker cultivars. Temperature - Maintain 55°F (13°C) temperature for best longevity. Plants can be held at higher temperatures, but the lifespan will decrease. Placing plants on a 45° to 55°F (7° to 13°C) porch at night may increase longevity. Location - Choose an east, south or west window to provide the light levels necessary for these plants. Irrigation - Water plants thoroughly and frequently to avoid wilting and a shortened interior lifespan. Frequently plants that dry out indoors will not recover, even if the entire pot is submerged in water for a brief period to saturate the root system. Grooming - Remove individual flowers as they fade. If lower leaves turn yellow, they can be removed without damaging the plant
