A natural silver filter
Dense white hairs veil the green epidermis and give the plant its characteristic cool, almost metallic sheen.
2
Senecio scaposus 10.5cm
Normal price
€8,40
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Senecio scaposus
The silver fox of succulents 🦊
- Asteraceae
- Silvery wool
- Compact rosette
- Very bright position
- Deep dry-down
Senecio scaposus is a silver succulent designed to light up a collection. Its cylindrical fleshy leaves are wrapped in white silky hairs, creating a soft finish with a crisp, contemporary character.
The low rosette already looks satisfyingly complete while young, and later flower stalks add an unexpectedly airy accent. It is a strong choice for anyone drawn to cool colour palettes, unusual surfaces and succulents that command attention without visual noise.
What makes it special
Its appeal rests on white wool, a disciplined rosette and the contrast between a soft appearance and substantial leaves.
Clean sculptural lines
Upright cylindrical leaves gather into a compact base, producing a calm architectural silhouette.
Airy yellow flowers
Mature growth may send up slender stems carrying small yellow flower heads, an elegant contrast to the silver foliage.
Why you will love it: it brings colour and texture even without flowers, while its updated botanical identity adds depth to a considered collection.
In your spacePlacement & plant pairingsWhere it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Give it a bright shelf or a position close to a south- or west-facing window, leaving space around the rosette so the silver texture reads clearly. Terracotta, charcoal and matte white cachepots are especially effective.
Plants that complement it
Pair it with plants that share its preference for strong light and rapid drainage, while keeping each root system in its own pot.
- Echeveria lilacina — a powdery rosette continues the cool palette in a different geometry.
- Crassula ovata — glossy green leaves make a clean contrast with the white wool.
- Mammillaria plumosa — rounded white spines echo its silky surface from a different form.
Care at a glance
Light
Abundant bright light and some gentle direct sun, introduced gradually.
Water
Water deeply only after the mix has dried completely to the bottom.
Climate
Good airflow, protection from prolonged dampness and from hard frost.
Pets
All parts are considered toxic if eaten; keep it away from chewing.
For this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, drying cycle, climate, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and position
Very bright light keeps growth compact and intensely silver. Gentle morning or late-afternoon sun is ideal; transition to strong summer sun in stages.
Watering correctly
Water evenly and let every trace of surplus escape. Repeat only when the pot feels light and the mix is dry throughout, rather than following fixed dates.
Air and humidity
The white wool should remain clean and dry, so water at the base and provide moving air. Persistent moisture on the leaves can spoil the finish and invite rot.
Temperature and seasonal rhythm
It performs best in mild to warm conditions. In lower temperatures or weak light, growth slows and the interval without water must become longer.
Substrate
Use a very airy succulent mix with a high proportion of pumice, lava or another porous mineral material. Drainage holes must remain unobstructed.
Feeding and repotting
While new leaves are visible, a dilute balanced fertiliser low in nitrogen every four to six weeks is sufficient. Repot only when needed and do not bury the crown deeper.
Botanical identityIdentity & natural originAccepted name, origin of the form and natural distribution
Accepted name
The current accepted name is Caputia scaposa (DC.) B.Nord. & Pelser in Asteraceae. Senecio scaposus DC. is its homotypic synonym and remains widespread in horticultural trade.
The move to Caputia
Transfer from the large, heterogeneous Senecio to Caputia was published in 2012 by Bertil Nordenstam and Pieter Pelser to better reflect relationships within the group.
South African Cape origin
The species is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, occurring as a succulent perennial or low chamaephyte in subtropical, freely drained environments.
From natural habitat to home care: silver hairs reduce the intensity of solar radiation at the leaf surface, while fleshy tissues store water between less frequent moisture events. In a pot, this translates to strong light, dry foliage and unrestricted drainage.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone who wants to know what lies behind the plant’s appearance
The wool is made of trichomes
White hairs are epidermal structures that reflect part of the incoming radiation and create a gentler microclimate immediately above the leaf.
A succulent in the daisy family
Despite its classic succulent shape, it belongs to Asteraceae and arranges its flowers in composite heads.
Three accepted varieties
The species includes varieties scaposa, addoensis and caulescens. A trade label without further evidence cannot be assigned safely below species level.
A name referring to the flower stalk
The epithet scaposa points to the conspicuous leafless stalk that lifts the flower heads above the low rosette.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers about placement, watering, seasonal behaviour and the plant’s distinctive traits.
01Why is it labelled Caputia scaposa rather than Senecio scaposus?
The first is the accepted name today. The second is a valid historical synonym and therefore remains common on horticultural labels.
02How much sun does it need?
Provide a very bright position with gentle direct sun. If it has been indoors, increase exposure in stages so the wool and epidermis can acclimate.
03When should it be watered?
When the mix is dry at depth and the pot feels noticeably light. Water thoroughly, then let all surplus leave without collecting underneath.
04Why are the leaves becoming greener?
The white covering can appear thinner in weak light or on very new growth. Better light helps future leaves emerge denser and more silver.
05Can it flower?
Yes. Mature, well-lit growth may produce slender stems with small yellow heads, usually during the warmer active period.
06Does it need frequent feeding?
No. A small low-nitrogen dose only during visible growth is enough; excess nutrition produces softer tissues and a less compact habit.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.