Crassula ovata, a succulent plant that is very easy to care for

La Crassula ovata it is one of the best known succulents in the world. Its fleshy leaves and tree-like bearing, as well as its resistance to drought, make it a very loved species both among beginners and among those who have more experience in growing these types of plants.

However, you have to know that, although it does not usually give us any problem, There are a series of things that we have to take into account in order to enjoy it to the fullest. If you want to know what they are, we invite you to continue reading. 🙂

Origin and characteristics of the Crassula ovata

Our protagonist is an evergreen plant native to South Africa known as the jade tree. Reaches a height of 1-2 meters, and is formed by a trunk of about 10cm thick at most that has a highly branched crown. The leaves are thick and fleshy, often with red margins. In autumn and winter small clusters of white flowers sprout.

It is a plant that, despite its size, can be grown in a pot throughout its life, since its growth rate is rather slow. But let's see how to do it correctly.

What are the cares?

If you want or plan to get a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

Outdoors, in full sun or in semi-shade. It can also be kept indoors if it is placed in a room with plenty of natural light.

Substratum

You can mix universal growing medium with perlite in equal parts. In case you can't get this, you can use washed river sand, arlite or similar.

Irrigation

Rather scarce. During the summer it should be watered twice a week, while the rest of the year one watering every 10-15 days will suffice. If you have a plate underneath, you have to remove the excess water ten minutes after watering.

Subscriber

During spring and summer it should be fertilized with a liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents following the indications specified on the product packaging.

Transplant

Every two years in spring. Use a pot that is about 3cm wider than the previous one.

Multiplication

La Crassula ovata It can be multiplied by seeds or cuttings in spring or summer. Let us know how to proceed in each case:

Seeds

1. The first thing to do is prepare the seedbed. As such we can use flowerpots, milk containers, glasses of yogurt, ... whatever we prefer. Once chosen, we make sure that it has holes for water drainage (if it does not have them, we will make two or three with the tip of a scissors or a knife) and we will fill it with universal growing substrate.
2. Then we spread the seeds on the substrate, putting them as far apart from each other as we can.
3. Then, we cover them with a very thin layer of substrate and water.
4. Finally, we place the seedbed outside, in semi-shadow.

Will germinate in 15-30 days.

Cuttings

The fastest way to get a new specimen is by multiplying it with stem or leaf cuttings.

• Stem cuttings: you just have to cut a branch that interests you, let the wound dry for a week and plant it in a pot. In fifteen days it will begin to emit roots.
• Leaf cuttings: we will fill a pot with substrate and we will place the leaf on top, almost without covering it. In a week it will start to root.

Pests

Although it is very resistant, it can be affected by the following pests:

• Red spider: Although rare, this red mite can feed on leaves. We will be able to know that it is present by seeing the cobweb it produces. It is eliminated with acaricides.
• Mealybugs: they can be cotton wool or limpets. In any case, they can be removed with a brush dipped in pharmacy alcohol or diatomaceous earth, the recommended dose of which is 30 grams per liter of water.

Problems

• Black spots on the leaves: excess humidity + cold. Reduce the frequency of watering and protect from low temperatures.
• Leaf fall (no yellowing): lack of water. You have to water more.
• Yellow leaf fall: excess of water. The frequency of irrigation should be reduced.
• Does not bloom: it may be because it is very young or because it lacks fertilizer. In any case, it must be paid from spring to summer.
• Does not grow: lack of space. It must be transplanted every two years.

Rusticity

Withstands light frosts of up to -2ºC.

What is the Crassula ovata?

This is a plant whose ornamental value is very high. It is very beautiful in any corner, either on the patio, on the terrace, ... and you can even have it in the garden if you live in an area where strong frosts do not occur. There is even that it has it in a bonsai tray, although I have to clarify that it cannot be worked as such because according to experts only non-succulent trees and shrubs can aspire to be a bonsai.

Where can you buy?

In any nursery and garden store. It is very easy to find and its price is very low: a plant in a 5,5cm pot can easily cost you 1 euro or less.

What did you think of this plant?