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Features of the genus Crassula

Many lovers of domestic plants, having heard the word Crassula, will immediately remember such an outstanding plant as the "Money Tree". But this is just one representative of a large family of genus Crassula. Crassula succulent is part of the Crassulaceae family. Many representatives of the genus grow in South Africa, there are also in Madagascar, tropical territories. This name of the culture was received because they have a fleshy structure of the leaves. One of the species of Crassula was given the name "Tree of Happiness" or "Money Tree". But the diversity of the genus Crassula is great.

Crassula plant: peculiarities of the genus of succulent culture

Crassula is a large genus of succulent plants found in many parts of the world, but the species used in horticulture or collectors originate mostly from South Africa. The genus Crassula has an average of 300-500 species.

The external variety of Crassula is very large. Such succulents are found in the form of herbaceous or aquatic plants, they can be tree-like shrubs, miniature succulents. A common feature of most representatives of the genus is the placement of leaf plates on the shoot opposite each other. When grown at home, Crassula plants are smaller than those that grow in nature. But over time, the culture becomes a miniature or medium tree, which is distinguished by a fairly thick stem.

The leaves have a simple, entire shape, some species have ciliated leaf blades. Inflorescences can be lateral or terminal, the configuration is racemose or umbellate-paniculate. The flowers can consist of several shades - yellow, red, white, pale blue. But keep in mind the fact that indoor Crassula almost never blooms.

But unpretentiousness, ease of care, spectacular appearance made these types of plants one of the most popular in decorating rooms.

Crassula plant home care Crassula

Crassula prefers a minimum of watering, regular washing of leaf plates and systematic feeding. Proper planting of crops is also of great importance. Pots that are too large will cause the root of the bush to grow deeper and the trunk to develop upwards. This will lead to weakening and thinning of the plant. Therefore, choose small and low pots.

Engage in the preparation of the correct soil mixture. It is formed on the basis of soddy, leafy soil, as well as humus. Additionally, add sand and brick chips. After the bush reaches 15 centimeters in height, pinch off 2 small leaf plates that are located at the top. At this point, the bush will begin to give good branching - instead of 1 pair of leaves, two will form. Upper leaves are systematically cut off where branching is expected. This will give the Crassula the necessary shape.

Let us dwell on the main points that should be observed when caring for these plants.

Lighting

The Crassula succulent relates well to the sun's rays, so representatives of this kind can be safely placed on south-facing windows. But the best solution would still be the location of the flowers on the southwestern or eastern windows. With a lack of lighting, the leaves of the crops will lose their decorative effect.

Ambient temperature

Crassula are heat-loving plants. Therefore, the summer time is considered ideal and comfortable for the existence of succulents. But in winter it will be quite good even at temperatures of + 10 + 15 degrees. These crops do not depend on air humidity; they grow equally, either at low or at high humidity.

Watering

The best way to water Crassula is to use water as needed. When the top layer of the soil dries out, then you can moisten the soil. In winter, you should wait until the substrate is completely dry. The depth of soil drying is 20-30 mm. It is not recommended to allow stagnant water, it is better to let the substrate dry out.

Fertilizers

Crassula prefers spring and summer fertilizing. Usually they are performed once a month. The best option for such purposes would be fertilizer for cacti or succulents. For autumn and winter, all fertilizers should be stopped.

Pruning and shaping Crassula

It is advised to create a beautiful shape of a tree from a young age. In adult representatives, stumps may remain in places where pruning was carried out. This negatively affects the decorative appearance of crops.

Crassula replanting

It is recommended to replant succulents after the root system does not have enough space in the pot. This process is usually carried out once every 2-3 years. Spring is considered the best time.

Choose a new container larger than the old one, and be sure to form a drainage layer at the bottom. Expanded clay or crushed shards are perfect for this. After that, the flower is transplanted into a new pot, for this the transshipment method is used. With a strong growth of the root system in length, shorten the roots a little. Wanting to keep the succulents miniature, the houseplant Crassula is not transplanted at all.

What are the methods of breeding Crassula?

There are several options for the reproduction of succulent crops of the genus Crassula. Let’s consider the main methods.

Crassula seeds propagation

Crassula seeds are sown in wide bowls. They are filled with soil substrate based on sheet soil and sand (1 to 2). The container is covered with glass from above, condensate is removed daily. Crops are also regularly ventilated. You can observe the appearance of the first shoots after 2 weeks. When the seedlings grow up, they are picked into a large container, making a distance of 10 millimeters between the bushes. The container is filled with a sand-turf mixture.

When the picking is completed, the container with succulents is placed in a room with good lighting. When they grow up, each bush is placed in a separate pot. The air temperature at first should be + 16-18 degrees Celsius.

Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings allow you to get new Fatties much faster than using the seed method. As cuttings, castings, segments of stems are used. A large leaf plate or shoot is cut off with a sharp knife.

The cut points are processed with charcoal crumbs. The cuttings are dried for 2-3 days, after which they are planted in a substrate based on sand, sheet soil. After the roots appear, each cutting is planted in an individual container. For cultivation, you will need leafy, soddy soil, as well as sand (ratio - 1 to 1 to 1). After that, the bushes can be placed in a permanent location, and care is provided the same as for adult representatives.

Crassula plant: pests and diseases

The biggest problem for Crassula will be the stagnation of water in the soil. This can lead to root rot. Succulents can also suffer from drafts, in which case the trees can dry out, and the foliage can fall off. Among the pests, the most popular are mealybugs. To eliminate them, you need a cotton wool, which is well moistened in an alcohol solution. Also sometimes there are scale insects or spider mites on these plants.

Crassula medical use

These plants are able to release useful substances into the air. It is believed that they fight viruses, bacteria, fungi.

Leaf juice is used in traditional medicine recipes. The solution helps cope with bee stings, manifestations of herpes, and various bruises. Also, the juice of Crassula is used as rubbing for the treatment of arthritis, as a rinse for sore throat, gum disease.

It is strictly forbidden to take the Crassula juice inside, because it contains arsenic.

Types of Crassula

Let’s learn the most popular varieties of plants.

Ovoid Crassula (Crassula ovata)

This is the most popular variety of Crassula among flower growers. Its height in natural conditions - up to 3 meters. At home – it grows up to one and a half meters.

The leaves are oval in shape, have a glossy structure, the shade is green or grayish-silver. Umbrellas consist of white or pink flowers. It differs in high shade tolerance.

Tree Crassula (Crassula arborescens)

It visually resembles a variety of Crassula ovata. It differs in bare branches and trunk, leaf plates are flat, but fleshy.

The color is pale blue, has a red border, up to 7 cm long. Inflorescences are paniculate, have white or pink flowers. It does not grow in the shade, prefers only sunny areas.

Crassula lycopodioides

It is a shrub variety of Crassula, which has a fairly compact shape. The height is no more than 25 centimeters.

The stems are fleshy type, have wrapped tops. This Crassula type is undemanding in care, and feels good in a little shading.

Crassula perforate

This is a small bush, which is decorated with diamond-shaped leaves. The leaves are painted in a green tint, but with a bluish bloom.

There is a red border on the edge.

Buddha's Temple Crassula plant

This is a hybrid succulent, obtained from two varieties of Crassula - perfoliata and pyramidal.

Visually, it is very similar to columns; dark green plates are tightly pressed against each other. After reaching a height of 15 cm, the "column" falls on its side. Red petals bloom on top.

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