Crassula, also known as Jade Plants, are succulent plants that are native to South Africa. They are easy to grow and make great houseplants. Crassulas are drought tolerant and can tolerate some neglect, making them ideal for busy people or those new to plant care.
Is it easy to grow Crassula plant? Common ly known as Crassula, this plant species is native to southern Africa. It is among the easiest to grow, which is why it is often used as a houseplant. The Crassula can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and can even survive brief periods of drought. When grown indoors, Crassula prefer bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry out between watering.
How big can it be? known as Money Plant, Jade Plant, or Lucky Plant, Crassula is a genus of succulent plants in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), native to southern Africa. They are drought-resistant, although they can grow faster with more water. Most species are not frost-tolerant. Depending on the type, Crassula plants can range in size from 6 cm to 2 m in height.
How fast is the growth? Eventually, the plant will get leggy and stop growing as vigorously. Pinching back the stems will help to create a more dense, compact plant. If you allow the plant to grow unchecked, it will become woody and produce fewer leaves.
Plant Form | Succulent |
Family | Crassulaceae |
Origin | Distribution area from the Arabian Peninsula to South Africa (Asia, Madagascar, South Africa). |
How long is the lifespan? Eventually, however, the plant will require rejuvenation to maintain peak health and appearance. This can be done every few years by removing some of the oldest, woodiest stems near the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant looking its best.
What is the ideal temperature? Eventually, the optimal temperature for the comfortable development of the plant is 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 50-57 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The minimum temperature is 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
What about the humidity? The Crassula does not like high humidity, so the room where it is located should be well ventilated. The ideal option - to put the pot with a plant on the windowsill in the bathroom, while taking a shower.
What amount of light this plant needed? Although a Crassula can endure a good deal of neglect, it will not thrive without the right light. The right light for a Crassula is bright sun, in the winter fit the windows of the south and south-east orientation. In the summer, shading is necessary, because when the light is too bright, the leaves can turn red and burns appear on them. Plants with green leaves can tolerate shade, whereas species with silver leaves require bright light.
What is good soil for Crassula? Although this plant is drought resistant, it does not mean that you can plant it in any type of soil. Good drainage is required. The soil must be loose enough so that excess water can easily drain out. A mixture of coarse sand, turf ground, humus and peat is suitable for planting crassula.
How much I must water Crassula? When to water Crassula and how often? In the summer, water abundantly about once a week, in December January, you can not water, in the rest of the time 1-2 times a month. Excess water from the pan should be drained. The top layer of soil between waterings in the summer should dry up well.
About fertilizer. The reason for this is that during the growth phase, the plant is actively building new tissue, and needs more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium. If you use a regular all-purpose fertilizer, you will end up with a plant that is all leaves and no flowers. A half dose of fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season should be sufficient. If you see the plant starting to yellow, that is a sign of over-fertilization, and you should back off on the fertilizer.
How to reproduce Crassula? The Crassula plant can propagate easily with apical shoots 8-10 cm long, which should be taken in the spring from the branches of the current growth and dried slightly before germination. Root in peat and sand. Sand from time to time spray. Rooted cuttings are transplanted into separate pots and placed in conditions of bright scattered light. The tips of shoots periodically pinch. Sometimes the roots are formed directly in the air directly on the shoots. Can reproduce by seeds, which are rather small. Seeds are sown in a mixture of leaf land and sand and germinated, covered with film and daily aired and sprayed crops. Fresh seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks. Shoots dive and expose to light. The second pick is held in early summer.
Why Crassula won't bloom? The plant blooms from the end of summer to the middle of winter. The flowers are small, white-pink, tubular or stellate, and are collected in a brush.
How much I must water Crassula? Although the root system of the plant is quite shallow, it is still necessary to transplant it only when it becomes strongly overgrown, otherwise the plant will start to hurt. Therefore, when transplanting, it is necessary to choose a pot not very large.
How to care the plant? So, it's best to grow them together in one pot and groom the plant by pricking the tips of the growing shoots. The leaves of the Crassula are quite fragile and easily broken, so handle with care.
What is the challenge when caring Crassula plant? Common problems are spider mite, mealybugs, rootworms, thrips, and basal stem rot. All of these can be controlled with proper watering and temperature. If the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will start to wrinkle and brown. If the temperature is too high, the leaves will fall off. If the plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will be small and pale. If the plant is getting too much water, the roots will rot. If the plant is getting too much sun, the leaves will get sunburn.
Are Crassula poisonous? Eventually, crassula plants can become so leggy that they resemble a miniature tree. These tough little houseplants are known for being drought tolerant and hard to kill, but that doesn't mean they're indestructible. In fact, many common houseplants like crassula are poisonous if ingested. Crassula plants are common houseplants that are known for being tough to kill. However, many people don't realize that these plants are actually poisonous if ingested. The poison in crassula plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases. If you have a crassula plant in your home, it's important to keep it out of reach of children and pets.