Senecio candidans Angel Wings = 'Senaw' (PBR)
![shining-white ragwort [Angel Wings]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5e6a79661.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Angel Wings is notable for its stunning silvery-white foliage. The leaves are large and have a unique, soft, velvety texture that makes them irresistible to touch. The overall shape of the leaves is rounded, resembling the wings of an angel, which is where it gets its evocative name. The edges of the leaves are somewhat scalloped, creating an ornamental look even without flowers. The color of the foliage provides a striking contrast in the garden or when used in container arrangements, standing out amongst other green-leaved plants. The lack of flowers on this plant means that attention remains squarely on its leaves, which are the main feature of its visual appeal. The plant's robust nature contributes to its ornamental value, with the leaves maintaining their color and texture throughout its lifespan.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Angel Wings Senecio, Angel Wings, Senaw.
Common names
Senecio candidans Angel Wings = 'Senaw' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Angel Wings, which is the common name for Senecio candidans 'Senaw', may possess toxic properties as many plants in the Senecio genus contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. These alkaloids can cause liver damage, and symptoms of poisoning might include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases may lead to liver failure. It's strongly advised to avoid consuming any part of this plant and to keep it out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Angel Wings, known scientifically as Senecio candidans 'Senaw', is considered toxic to pets, similar to its effects on humans. Members of the Senecio genus are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage if ingested by animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, liver failure. Pet owners should prevent their animals from chewing or ingesting any part of this plant to avoid poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Chile
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerant: Angel Wings is beneficial for areas with low water availability, as it can withstand periods of drought once established.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care apart from occasional watering and pruning, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to horticulture.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its striking silver-white foliage and velvety texture, Angel Wings provides high ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for decorative flexibility on patios, balconies, or indoors.
- Deer Resistant: Angel Wings is not a preferred snack for deer, which helps prevent damage in areas where deer browsing can be a problem.
- Saline Tolerance: This plant can handle soils with some salt content, making it suitable for coastal areas or regions with saline water.
- Fast Growing: Angel Wings experiences rapid growth, quickly filling in garden spaces or pots for immediate visual impact.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round interest in mild climates, maintaining its foliage and form despite the season.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other plants, Angel Wings is not known to be invasive, making it a safe choice for ecological gardening.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including modern, Mediterranean, rock gardens, and as a specimen plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The leaves of Angel Wings can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Pest Deterrent: When planted in a garden, Angel Wings may help repel certain pests due to its texture and possibly its scent, thus protecting nearby plants.
- Photography Prop: Because of its unique and striking silvery foliage, Angel Wings can serve as an eye-catching prop in garden and botanical photography.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known as an edible, the attractive leaves could potentially be used as an ornamental garnish for extravagant dishes.
- Sensory Garden Plant: With its soft, velvety leaves, Angel Wings is an excellent choice for sensory gardens that focus on touch and visual stimulation.
- Craft Material: Dried leaves of Angel Wings can be used in crafting, such as in the creation of natural wreaths or other decorative items.
- Teaching Aid: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant identification, care, and the importance of foliage texture in garden design.
- Theatrical Scenery: Because of its dramatic appearance, Angel Wings can be incorporated into stage designs and theatrical scenery for plays and performances.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: The leaves can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for outdoor celebrations, lessening environmental impact.
- Mood-enhancing Decor: Placing Angel Wings in living spaces or workplaces can help improve mood and overall ambiance with its calming, silvery foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Senecio Angel Wings is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Senecio Angel Wings is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The plant's name "Angel Wings" suggests a symbolic meaning of protection, akin to the protective embrace of an angel's wings.
- Innocence / Purity: The white-silvery foliage of the Senecio 'Angel Wings' may represent innocence and purity, due to the traditional association of the color white with these qualities.
- Peace: The soft and calming appearance of the Senecio 'Angel Wings' can symbolize tranquility and peace.
- Heavenly or Spiritual Connection: "Angel Wings" evoke imagery of the ethereal and spiritual, indicating a connection to the divine or otherworldly realms.
WaterAngel Wings should be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically about once a week, although this can vary depending on environmental conditions and the size of the pot. It is important not to overwater, as the plant is sensitive to root rot. Generally, watering with 1-2 gallons every week or two, ensuring even moisture distribution without waterlogging, is sufficient. It's crucial to provide a drainage hole in the container to prevent excess water accumulation.
LightAngel Wings prefers a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so a location that receives filtered light or a few hours of morning sun followed by dappled shade is ideal. East-facing windows or lightly shaded south-facing areas are good spots for this the plant.
TemperatureAngel Wings thrive in temperatures between 50 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature range for robust growth is between 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningAngel Wings benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems during the spring or early summer, which is the best time for pruning to promote new growth. Pruning every few months or as needed to remove any dead or damaged foliage maintains plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAngel Wings prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of peat, perlite, and sand in equal parts, which ensures quick drainage and prevents root rot. This plant thrives best in soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.2, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingAngel Wings should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. It's important to refresh the soil and check the roots for health during repotting.
Humidity & MistingAngel Wings prefers moderate to low humidity levels and can adapt to the typical indoor environment. This plant is not demanding in terms of humidity and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Angel Wings in bright, indirect light indoors and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Grow Angel Wings in partial shade outdoors and protect from extreme weather.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleSenecio 'Angel Wings' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, well-draining soil, usually in spring or early summer. After germination, seedlings quickly develop a rosette of distinctive silver-white, velvety leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it forms a robust, clump-forming perennial, which can reach up to 16 inches in height and occasionally produces loose clusters of small, yellow, insignificantly-looking flowers. The plant then focuses on vegetative growth, with leaves getting larger and the clump becoming denser. Given the right conditions, Senecio 'Angel Wings' can live for several years, although it may be shorter-lived in colder climates without winter protection. The plant completes its life cycle by producing seeds that are disseminated by wind, allowing for the propagation of the next generation of plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Senecio 'Angel Wings', with its striking silver foliage, is typically propagated by cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growing season, which is generally from spring to early summer. To propagate, a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) is cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight until roots have formed, after which it can be potted up into a bigger container. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging the soil during the rooting process.
