Crasula (Crassula arborescens)

La Crassula arborescens It is a non-cactus succulent that, as time goes by, acquires the size of a small tree with a relatively thick trunk. Its leaves, as they are gray-whitish, make them look very good in any corner, since also as it does not grow much, it can be grown in a pot throughout its life.

It does not usually have pests or serious diseases, but so that, in case of problems, you know what measures to take, it's time to learn everything you need to know about this beautiful succulent plant.

Origin and characteristics of Crassula arborescens

It is an evergreen shrub endemic to the Western Cape province, in South Africa, where it lives at an altitude of between 500 and 1600 meters above sea level, known as the Jade tree, Jade or crásula. Reaches a height of 0,6-1,2 meters, with a thick trunk of about 30cm. The leaves are fleshy, rounded, whitish-green in color and with a reddish margin. It blooms towards winter, producing small white or pink flowers, grouped in inflorescences.

The growth rate is medium; That is, yes you will see that it grows from month to month, but they will be rather subtle changes. If the conditions are right, you can gain 10-15cm in height per year.

What are the cares?

Acquiring this plant is knowing that you will be able to enjoy it for many years. It is very grateful. If you forget to water it once, absolutely nothing happens to it, and it is also quite resistant to pests and diseases. But ... what care do you need to be in good health?

Location

La Crassula arborescens it must be in a sunny exposition, but beware, that does not mean that we have to put it in direct sunlight as soon as we bring it from the nursery. In general, in these centers they have it inside, with a lot of but not direct light, so that if we take it out directly, without having accustomed it before, its leaves will burn and we could lose it.

So, to avoid this, what we will do is place it, for example, in front of tall plants, which protect it from direct light, and little by little, as the days and weeks go by, we will put it and leave it more and more in a somewhat more exposed area.

Earth

It will depend on where you grow it:

• Flower pot: you can use soil for cacti (on sale No products found.), but I recommend more medium-grained sands (about 5mm) such as akadama, pomx or gravel-type volcanic clay.
• Garden: it is important that the soil is porous and has good drainage; if not, dig a hole of about 50 x 50cm, and fill it with some substrate that we have mentioned above.

Irrigation

Rather scarce. It is not necessary to go so far that the leaves are wrinkled due to the lack of water, but it is also not good that the soil or substrate is always moist. Therefore, the best thing to do is to check their humidity, either with a meter, a stick, or by taking the pot once it has been watered and again after a few days. In this way, it will be difficult for your beloved Crassula arborescens to have problems derived from excess watering.

By the way, when you water, soak all the soil / substrate well. If you have it planted in the ground and it is already an adult, add at least 5-7 liters of water; and if you have it in a pot, water until it comes out through the drainage holes.

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Taking into account that it is a succulent that is growing during a good part of the year, it is worth fertilizing it with a specific fertilizer for cacti and other succulents (for sale No products found.) from spring to late summer / early fall, following the indications specified on the package.

If there are frosts in your area already during the autumn season, suspend subscribers in mid or late summer, when the maximum temperature is less than 20ºC; and if, on the other hand, you live in a place with a warm or mild climate, without frosts or with weak frosts, you can be fertilizing until the beginning of winter.

Pruning

It does not need it, although it is recommended to cut dry, diseased, weak branches and those that are broken.

Multiplication

La Crassula arborescens, although it produces seeds which are sown in pots with substrate for cacti in spring, multiplies more by stem cuttings in spring-summer, since it is much more efficient and fast.

To do this, you just have to cut a branch, let the wound dry for a week and finally plant it (not nail it) in a pot, for example with a pumice. In a matter of less than a month it will issue its own roots.

Planting or transplanting time

In spring, when the risk of frost has passed.

Plagues and diseases

Very tough overall, but keep it away from snails and mollusks. Likewise, you should avoid watering too much since otherwise its roots would rot, thus attracting pathogenic fungi.

Rusticity

From experience I will tell you that it resists weak and specific frosts of up to -2ºC, maybe up to -3ºC.

Where to buy?

You can get it in nurseries and garden stores, and also here:

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