Senecio haworthii ‘Cocoon Plant’ | Silvery Succulent

Senecio haworthii ‘Cocoon Plant’ | Silvery Woolly Succulent

Add a different kind of texture to your succulent collection with Senecio haworthii, widely known as the Cocoon Plant or Woolly Senecio. Native to South Africa, this unusual succulent is recognised for its thick, narrow leaves covered in a dense coating of fine white hairs.

The result is a soft, silvery appearance that makes this plant stand out from the usual green succulents. Its compact growth also makes it easy to display in pots, on sunny windowsills, patios, or alongside other silver and blue-toned plants.

What Makes the Cocoon Plant Special?

Silvery Woolly Leaves

The foliage is the main attraction. Each leaf is covered with fine white hairs that give the plant its distinctive frosted or woolly appearance.

Compact Growth

Senecio haworthii develops an attractive, upright to gently spreading form without requiring much space. It works particularly well in smaller containers and curated succulent displays.

Naturally Drought Tolerant

Like many succulents, it stores moisture in its fleshy leaves and can cope with periods of dry conditions once established.

A Standout Collector Plant

Its unusual foliage makes it an interesting choice for succulent collectors who want something different from the typical Echeveria or Crassula.

How to Care for Senecio haworthii

Light:
Give the plant bright light with some gentle direct sun if possible. In very hot Australian conditions, protect it from prolonged harsh afternoon sunlight.

Watering:
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Avoid frequent watering or leaving the roots in wet soil.

Soil:
Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. A container with drainage holes is essential.

Temperature:
It prefers warm, dry conditions. Protect the plant from frost and prolonged cold or wet weather.

Feeding:
A light application of diluted succulent fertiliser during active growth is generally sufficient.

Where Can You Grow It?

The compact form and unusual colour make Senecio haworthii suitable for:

• Decorative pots
• Sunny windowsills
• Patios and balconies
• Rock gardens
• Succulent arrangements
• Collector displays
• Silver-themed plant combinations

It looks particularly good when paired with darker green or purple succulents, where the pale foliage provides contrast.

Common & Alternative Names

Botanical name: Senecio haworthii
Common name: Cocoon Plant
Also known as: Woolly Senecio, Cocoon Senecio
Plant type: Succulent

5 Uncommon Questions

Why does Senecio haworthii have white hairs?

The fine hairs give the leaves their characteristic silvery appearance and can help reflect sunlight and reduce moisture loss.

Can the woolly coating be washed off?

Avoid deliberately rubbing or washing the leaves. The natural coating is part of what gives this succulent its distinctive appearance.

Does the Cocoon Plant need full sun?

It appreciates bright conditions and can take some gentle direct sunlight. In very hot Australian locations, intense afternoon sun may be too harsh.

Why are the leaves becoming greener?

Lower light can make the silvery appearance less pronounced. Gradually moving the plant to a brighter position can help, while avoiding sudden exposure to intense sunlight.

Can Senecio haworthii stay outside in Australia?

Yes, in suitable warm and sheltered locations. Protect it from frost, prolonged wet conditions and extreme cold.

Plant & Packaging Information

The Senecio haworthii supplied comes in an 80mm diameter nursery container.

The first three photographs are for display purposes only. They provide a representative example of the plant you may receive. Natural differences in size, shape, branching and foliage are expected because every succulent grows differently.

Plants are generally shipped bare root to help maintain freshness and keep shipping costs lower.

Want Your Succulent With a Pot?

We normally ship our plants bare root, but we can pot your Senecio haworthii on request if you would prefer to receive it ready for display.

Just click here to make your request.

Please note - NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations. View Shipping options