The Crassula perforata is a succulent with a unique appearance, which is precisely why it is tremendously appreciated by lovers of this type of plant. As with many succulents, it is a very easy plant to care for and within everyone’s reach: just know its few needs and your plant will always look its best.
If you want to learn how to grow it at home, join us in this DIYGardens article in which you will see a Crassula perforata care guide.
Characteristics of Crassula perforata
This succulent, also called vineyard necklaceBelongs to the crassulaceae family, which comprises more than 600 plants that come mainly from southern Africa. These are its main characteristics:
- The most striking feature by far of this plant is the particular arrangement of its leaveswhich stack vertically because it seems that the stem pierces themthis being what gives Crassula perforata its name.
- Its geometrically arranged leaves usually develop reddish tones at the edges and extremes, usually to protect from excess sunlight.
- produces its flowers in springgiving rise to a flowering of very small light-colored flowers that, despite their small size, have their charm.
- The plant can grow until its stems are about half a meter long, being its leaves up to 20 mm. In addition, some are kept up and others are hanging.
Location and climate for Crassula perforata
Crassula perforata is grown both as an indoor and outdoor plant. It is a crass that is very grateful to have a very well lit environmentbut direct exposure for too many hours a day or especially in very hot climates or during the hours of greatest intensity, can harm the plant, burning its leaves.
So that, indoors you should place the pot in a very bright room, near a window or other access point of natural light. While do not receive direct sun for more than about 4 hoursthere should be no problem.
outdoorsOn the other hand, it is convenient to protect the Crassula a little more. You must find one semi-shade location, especially if you live in an area with a very hot climate or very intense sun. Put it in relative cover under a larger plant or under an awning or other partial cover.
Regarding the temperature, it is clearly a plant with a warm climate, which has cold as one of its main weak points. The plant prefers temperatures that do not drop below 15 ºC, which is why many places opt for indoor cultivation, although it can tolerate lower temperatures during limited exposures. In any case, you should never expose it to temperatures below 5 ºC.
Crassula perforata watering
Like virtually all succulents, Crassula perforata is Very resistant to drought thanks to his ability to store reserve water in their leaves. The ideal is to water it with the general method of this type of plants: apply a only abundant watering (although always without flooding and making sure that the pot has drainage holes) and not do it again until the substrate has completely driedeven below the surface.
You can measure this by sticking a small stick or a pencil into the substrate, a little away from the plant so as not to damage its roots, and check if it has soil attached to it when you remove it. If it has stuck to a certain level, this marks where the moisture reaches in depth. If it comes out clean, it’s time to water again.
We recommend you read this other article on When to water plants.
Substrate for Crassula perforata
The collar vine plant shares the substrate needs of its fellow succulents in general, that is, It is not demanding with nutrients but it does need a light substrate with good drainage.. You can use the area of your garden that best drains irrigation water or, in a pot, you can prepare a substrate for succulents following the following formula:
- 1 cm of gravel at the base of the pot.
- 1 part of coarse river sand.
- 2 parts of fine river sand.
- 2 parts perlite.
- 2 parts of earthworm humus.
You will obtain a nutritious, very light substrate with optimal water retention properties. Here we tell you more about how to make a substrate for cacti and succulents.
Abono for Crassula perforata
The plant is not demanding in this regard, so a small contribution of fertilizer in spring or, even better, contribute to the substrate a finger of worm humus and remove it slightly, in a much more ecological and complete way.
In this other link we explain how to make worm humus.
Diseases and pests of Crassula perforata
It is not particularly sensitive or prone to any common problems and, in fact, it is highly resistant to most pests and diseases. If spots or symptoms of rot appear, they are most probably due to overwatering.
If you like these plants, at DIYGardens we advise you to take a look at this guide on the Types of succulent plants.
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