Are you interested in knowing more about the Crassula perforata careIf the answer is “yes”, you have come to the right place. Because we are going to tell you everything you need to make this succulent plant the star of your garden or your home if you have it as an indoor plant.
Belonging to the succulent family, this is a very resistant species and perfect for those who are starting out in the world of plants. But it doesn't hurt to know exactly what it needs to help it develop healthily.
Good choice
We are facing a very good choice if what you are looking for is a plant for beginners, because killing her is almost impossible. In fact, you'll get good results even if you don't pay too much attention to her.
But be careful, when we say that you should not pay too much attention to it, what we mean is that it is not demanding in terms of care, not that we can totally ignore the plant and hope that it manages to survive on its own. It is very resistant, but needs a little love from us.
What does Crassula perforata look like?
To differentiate it from other succulents, pay attention to these physical features:
Leaves
They have a triangular shape reminiscent of an arrowhead. They are wider at the base and narrow towards the tip.
They are not too big, as they usually do not exceed 2,5 cm in length and it is rare for them to be more than 1 cm wide, but they are very striking thanks to their colour. They are mostly pale green or greyish in colour and stand out for having reddish edges. This red colour intensifies even more if the plant is exposed to light. direct sunlight for several hours or is suffering from stress.
A characteristic feature of these leaves is that they grow in opposite pairs along the stems, creating a spiral-like shape. Also, being a succulent, the leaves are smooth and slightly fleshy, since they have the capacity to accumulate water.
Tallos
The stems can grow up to 30 cm and often branch out, creating a more bushy or hanging structure. They are thin, elongated and succulent, and have a smooth texture.
They are usually light green in color, but They may turn reddish or pink if the plant receives too much sunlight.
Flores
As with other succulents, the flowers are not particularly striking. They are small, white or pale yellow in colour, and appear at the tips of the stems in compact clusters.
The most notable thing about them is that they are star-shaped and give off a rather soft fragrance that you can appreciate if you get close.
Crassula perforata care: what does it need to grow strong and healthy?
Take note of the basic care this plant requires to be healthy and fill your home or garden with its delicate presence.
Luz
It is best to be exposed to bright, indirect light. You can put it in a place where it receives direct sunlight, but try to do so in the early morning or late afternoon, never during the middle of the day, since the leaves could burn.
Indoor light. If you have the plant indoors, place it near a window facing south or west, and make sure that the light reaches it through a curtain.
Outdoor light. In case of outdoor cultivation, Find a location where the plant receives several hours of sunlight, preferably in the morning.
Irrigation
When caring for Crassula perforata, you must keep in mind the basic rule that we apply to all succulents: it is always better to water little than to water too much. To turn this maxim into a reality, limit yourself to adding water to your succulent only when you notice that the substrate is completely dry.
The ideal way to water is to allow the water to soak into the entire substrate and drain through the holes in the pot. We do not recommend wetting the leaves, because moisture can cause them to rot and become a focus of attraction for fungi and insects.
In summer you can water once a week or every ten days, while in winter it will be enough to water once a month.
Substratum
In any garden center you can find substrate formulated especially for cacti and succulents, but you also have the alternative of creating your own mix with:
- Potting soil.
- Perlite or small gravel.
- Apply a 2:1 ratio (two parts soil to one part drainage material).
Protection against the cold
Crassula perforata is adapted to mild temperatures ranging from 18º to 26º C. These plants can withstand slightly warmer temperatures, but do not cope well with the cold.
If you are aware that temperatures will drop below 4º C, it is better to move the pot to a place where the plant is more protected. If you have the Crassula planted directly in the ground, try covering it during the winter months.
Flower pot
This succulent grows very well in a pot, because it has a slow growth. Use a clay or terracotta pot, since these materials facilitate evaporation. moisture and help the substrate dry faster.
Also, make sure to choose a container that has drainage holes so that water from watering doesn't accumulate on the roots. If you've placed a saucer under the pot, remove it after watering so that excess water doesn't accumulate there and be reabsorbed.
Pruning and maintenance
This plant does not need to be pruned frequently, although you can remove some stems to maintain its compact shape and tidy appearance. You can also remove leaves or stems that you notice have suffered any damage.
You can use healthy stems that you have cut to propagate the plant. Let the cutting air dry for a couple of days and then plant it directly in well-drained soil.
Crassula perforata is so easy to care for. Do you want to add it to your collection?