Have you heard of crassula arborescens? Do you know what kind of plant it is? On this occasion, and for those who cannot afford very exotic plants due to the heat of the area where they live, we bring a succulent plant that is very similar to the Jade tree (but it is different in itself).
Do you want to know more about this plant? Do you know what are the care to have it at home? So pay attention because this is what we can tell you about her. Shall we start?
How is the crassula arborescens
For a start, crassula arborescens is a shrub type plant. However, it can easily reach a meter and a half in height, while its stems can be more than 20 centimeters thick. We could say that it is like having a mini tree in the garden, or in a pot, since it adapts perfectly in both cases.
The most striking thing about this plant are its leaves. These are somewhat oval and light green in color, tending to grey. However, the border of all sheets will be a red color, which makes it stand out a lot. In addition, the leaves are of different sizes, so it is fun to see them being born (so small) and how they develop and grow to a standard size.
Now, what makes you like Crassula arborescens even more is its flowering. You should know that this occurs in winter, which will make you enjoy flowers in the coldest season of the year. These are usually white, with petals that seem to form a star, but it has others that have a certain pink touch. It almost always blooms in clusters, which makes it even more spectacular.
Crassula arborescens is not a difficult plant to find; quite the opposite. It’s pretty easy. In addition, we cannot say that it is expensive either. Now, you should take into account, as we have told you before, that resembles the Jade treeand that can make you buy in the wrong way.
Crassula arborescens vs Crassula ovata (Arbol de Jade)
Since we do not want you to have problems when buying a true crassula arborescens, note the color of the leaves. And yes, it can still be hard to tell them apart, but in the case of crassula ovata, the leaves are greyish, with bluish hints, and red edges. If you notice that the leaves are more green than blue, then you are looking at an arborescens.
Another difference between them is the bloom. While with the arborescens it does have a bloom (which makes it look greyish), in the case of the ovata the same is not the case.
Crassula arborescens care
You already know a little more about the crassula arborescens and you know how to distinguish it (or at least try to) from the ovata. But what about your care? For a start You should know that it is not difficult to have at home, quite the opposite, but it does require some important care. We tell you about them.
location and temperature
Like virtually all succulents, the ideal location for crassula arborescens is outdoors. If the climate where you live is quite dry, with very hot temperatures… then she will be delighted to be there.
You can have it both in the garden planted and in a pot. What should be clear to you is that it needs sun, a lot of sun. That is why it is recommended to place it in a place where it gets as much sunlight as possible. Yes indeed, at first you will have to adapt it since it comes from a greenhouse (in most cases) and that means that it is not used to that direct sun.
As for the temperature, the ideal would be between 18 and 25ºC. However, you should not worry about the cold or the heat. If it’s very cold, the plant protects itself by stopping its growth (and, beware, because it won’t flower for you). As for heat, it tolerates it quite well, you just have to take into account the need for irrigation that it requires.
Substratum
Regarding the substrate, whether you have it in the garden or that it is in a pot, you must make sure that it has a light soil and that it does not clump. If possible, choose soil with a pH greater than 7.5; and, in case you can’t with that one, let it be between 5.5-7.
Besides, We recommend that you add some drainage such as coconut fiber, perlite, akadama, etc.
A mixture that works? You can opt for universal substrate and drainage. Or choose soil for cacti and succulents and mix it with some drainage (if possible 50% in both cases).
Irrigation
As a good succulent that it is, the crassula arborescens is not a plant that needs constant watering. Actually, having fleshy leaves, water accumulates in them, which means that you will only water when you see that it needs it.
If the plant is in full sun, it may require a watering or two weekly. While if it is not too hot, or we are in autumn and winter, one every 15-30 days.
In fact, it is preferable to water less than to spend with it, because the plant will suffer.
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During the spring and summer, especially if you want it to flower, it would be a good idea to add a little fertilizer. Bet on the granules and apply twice, one at the beginning of spring and another in the middle or end of summerin order to provide an extra face to flowering.
Plagues and diseases
Succulents are not plants that suffer from many pests and diseases, but they can be attacked by mealybugs, specifically cottony or brown. Yes that’s how it is, It will be time to clean the plant by hand and add a mixture of soap with alcohol to prevent the appearance of more.
Multiplication
The propagation of crassula arborescens is very easy, since you only have to cut stems with some leaves and plant them in the ground to generate roots. Yes indeed, make sure the stems are at least 10 centimeters long and have at least two small leaves so that they come out ahead.
Do you dare now to have a crassula arborescens at home?
