the succulents They have always attracted the attention of many individuals and experienced gardeners, both for their physical appearance and for their hardiness and low maintenance. One of them well known and also used as a houseplant is Crassula arborescensa Crassulaceae well adapted to all types of environments.
The most interesting thing about this succulent plant is the spectacular flowering It produces from autumn, showing its full splendor in mid-winter, when most plants usually stop growing and reserve strength for the following spring.
In this article, we give you all the details of Crassula arborescens and 5 tips for growing it both in the garden and in pots.
Contents
Characteristics of Crassula arborescens
Genre Crassule of succulent plants is home to more than 600 well-differentiated species accustomed to hot and dry environments. One of them is Crassula arborescensalmost as famous as her sister Crassula ovalwidely grown both in pots and in coastal gardens.
It is currently cultivated as an ornamental plant, and can be found quite easily in supermarkets, nurseries or Home & Garden stores.
Grown in pots, it usually does not exceed 30 cm. However, if planted in a bright environment in the garden, it can exceed 1 meter in height over the years.
Flowering: flowering occurs in autumn (initial bud formation) and winter. The flowers are formed by 5 petals and sepals in the shape of a geometric star, small in size and arranged in a cluster. They are usually white or pink.
Morphology: Bushy plant in the shape of a tree (main stem and secondary and tertiary branches), of the succulent type, of robust appearance and with thick-skinned leaves to prevent water loss in very hot environments.
Origin: Crassula arborescens It is a succulent of South African origin (Western Cape province), currently widespread in most countries with warm climates and grown both in the garden and in pots indoors.
Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatingtaxonomy
| Ordered | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| sex | Crassule |
| Species | Crassula arborescens |
Common names: Crasula, Jade, Jade Tree.
Differences from Crassula arborescens with Crassula oval
Both plants have similar characteristics (stature, size and flowering), but they are considered different plants. In some cases, they can be confused if there is no reference to their origin.
Crasula arborescens: oval green leaves
Crassula oval: grayish leaves (with bluish tones) and edges with reddish tones.
Crassula arborescens: cultivation and care guide
1. Location and climate
Most succulents, such as Crasula arborescens, they tend to grow in dry, hot, and often coastal environments. They are generally hardy species, adapted to retaining water in their thick epidermis.
It is easily grown in the Mediterranean basin and hot countries, near the coast. It can also be grown in pots and indoor conditions for cooler temperature areas.
ideal temperature: optimal range between 18 ºC and 25 ºC. It is quite resistant to cold, although it stops its growth and can affect flowering (in winter), since it is the most sensitive part of the plant.
Lighting: grow in full sun, and if grown in pots, place it in the brightest area of the house, near the windows.
Humidity: hot environments and dry environments, generally below 60% relative humidity. It adapts well to coastal areas with a sea breeze and has good resistance to salinity.
2. Soil type and substrate
ground floor
The best way to grow Crassula arborescens in the garden it is on light textured soils, such as sandy or loamy. It can grow without problems in both alkaline (pH>7.5) and slightly acidic (pH between 5.5-7) areas.
It does not support clay soils with high moisture retention, being necessary have good drainage. It can grow on soils that are not very fertile and poor in organic matter, although its presence benefits it.
Pot culture substrate
pot grown, Crassula arborescens also developed in porous and well-oxygenated substrates. That is why it is recommended to mix a universal substrate and a compound with excellent drainage, such as coconut fiber, coarse sand, vermiculite, akadama, perlite, etc.
Mixing is usually done in equal parts, 50% universal substrate or humus and 50% any of the porous substrates mentioned above.
3. Irrigation and fertilization
The risks of Crassule they must be light and very spaced in time. One of the main problems of succulents in domestic environments (inside the house) is excess humidity in the substrate, causing root rot and symptoms derived from choking of roots and stems. mushrooms. Phytophthorasuch as brown and rotten stems, loose leaves with brown spots, etc.
Usually grown in pots, Crassula arborescens water once a week (maximum 2 in full sun) in spring and summer and every 15 days in autumn and winter. Indeed, a low humidity of the substrate promotes the emergence of flower buds and promotes flowering.
Irrigation recommendations in succulents: It is recommended to check the substrate with your fingers, inserting the index finger into the first phalanx. If we notice a little humidity, we will delay watering for the next day. If it’s almost dry, it’s time to water. It is recommended to add 1/6 of the volume of the pot, allowing excess water to drain through the holes in the base of the pot.
As for subscriber, It usually does not require special fertilizers and only in spring and summer, recovering nutrients for future flowering at the beginning of winter.
For this plant, the use of granulated manure It is very comfortable, providing between 10 and 30 grams per jar every 30 days, making 2 applications per campaign. One formula we recommend, as it is very comprehensive, is NPK 12-8-16 or similar content.
If we prefer to pay with liquid fertilizers, we will follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Concentrated solutions should not add more than 1-1.5 ml/litre of water. They are generally applied every 7 to 15 days from the beginning of spring.
4. Multiplication of Crassula arborescens
The most convenient and easiest way to get identical plants from Crassula arborescens East by cuttings. This succulent plant is very easy to propagate as it does not require many steps and usually has a high probability of forming new roots.
Cutting time: spring and summer.
Steps to follow:
- cut one terminal stem 10 cm containing multiple leaves and in good visual condition (no cracks, twists and bright green color). Avoid selecting stems that have flowered the previous winter. Make the cut obliquely.
- Remove the shoots and leaves from the lower part of the stem, which will be the one that will generate the future roots. Leave 4 to 8 leaves at the top.
- prepare a pot with universal substrate or mix equal parts with coconut fiber and moisturize until medium or warm moist.
- Coat the base of the cutting with rooting hormone (if available) and plant it gently in the pot. You can also place the cutting in water for 4-5 days to form new roots.
- water frequently to maintain humidity and place the pot in a lighted area but out of direct sunlight.
5. Pests and diseases
The main pests associated with succulents are scale insects, with rarer cases of aphids and whiteflies. If you have a few plants, it is best to remove them by hand, with a cloth soaked in soap or alcohol, rubbing carefully until all the whitish strands of cottony mealybug are removed.
The most common mealybugs are:
- Cottony scale: without a hard shell and without movement, formed by distinct white threads on the plant, similar to cotton.
- Brown mealybugs: hard-shelled, motionless and brown colors. Classified as lice, snakes or caparretas.
In cases where we cannot act manually, we can use ecological formulas, such as potassium soap or resort to fast-acting insecticides, the most common being the active ingredient Pyriproxyfen 10%.