If you like succulents, Surely you have seen the crassula rupestris before. It is one of the easiest to care for and with a curious and original shape, beyond the usual succulents.
But do you know what it is like? Would you like to know the care it requires? Then take a look at what we have prepared for you.
Characteristics of crassula rupestris
Although many succulents come from South America, in the case of crassula rupestris we have to go to South Africa, where you find it in rocky areas and among bushes.
This plant does not grow very tall., but wide because it multiplies very quickly.
Physically, you have a plant composed of a stem with several pale green fleshy leaves. These are always distributed in pairs on opposite sides and if you look a little closer you will see that it seems that the stem goes through the leaves.
When the sun hits the leaves It is common for them to have a reddish or even yellow tone at the edges. Of course, be careful because if it gets too much sun then it can cause it to lose its green and the red to become more of a brown.
If you take good care of it, which we will talk about below, You will have the opportunity to see what its flowers are like. These will always come out in spring and are worth seeing. To do this, you will create a floral wand from which bouquets of flowers will emerge. Each of them is made up of five petals in shades of pink (stronger in the center, while, with a touch of yellow or brown, they crown these flowers in a starry shape.
You must keep in mind that we are talking about a slow-growing plant, so it can stay in the same pot for several years without a problem.
Crassula rupestris care
You already know what crassula rupestris looks like. But now it's time to learn to take care of it so that it doesn't die at the first opportunity. And that is one of the main problems, especially due to excess watering or lack of light.
Do you want to know what you should do? Check out.
Location and temperature
We start with the best place to have this plant. And for this, If we had to choose we would choose the exterior, because it is where these plants will feel most comfortable.
You can have it either in a pot or in the garden, and you should put it in full sun since succulents receive it very well. But, If you do not want it to lose its green tone, then it is better to choose semi-shade.
Keep in mind that you should provide it with as much sunlight as possible; Otherwise the plant may end up withering. And how much light is suitable for this plant? Well, we're talking about between four and six hours minimum, but if you give it eight, much better.
As for temperature, you will have no problem with the heat. But in the cold it is possible. You need to protect it from frost. And above all, from excess humidity.
This can act practically the same as irrigation, in such a way that you will be "watering" too much and that makes it rot very easily.
Substratum
It is important that the soil of the crassula rupestris is well drained. Therefore, our recommendation is that you use soil ideal for succulents and cacti and add a little more drainage. This way the roots will not become compacted and, furthermore, there will be no accumulation of water.
As it is slow growing, you won't have to worry too much about its transplant.
Another option is to use universal substrate and mix it, in equal parts, with drainage such as perlite.
Irrigation
As you know, Succulents are plants that do not need much irrigation or water. And that is what we propose to you. Water only every ten or fifteen days, but not abundantly but lightly.
If you flood it too much, the only thing you are going to achieve is that the plant ends up dying due to root rot.
Another point to take into account is humidity. Believe it or not, this can be the cause of excess and, therefore, rot. You will notice it much more easily because it mainly attacks the visible part of the plant, and although it could be recovered if caught in time, this is not easy.
During the winter, if the temperatures where you live are cool, we would almost tell you not to water it. The first year you may have to do it, but minimally. But once it is established, don't be afraid not to water it.
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In general, succulents are not plants that need fertilizers. And with the crassula rupestris it was not going to be less. You don't have to add any type of fertilizer.
But it also does not despise it if, with the irrigation water, you add some liquid fertilizer.
Plagues and diseases
Of the many plants in the plant kingdom, succulents are the ones that cause the least problems, at least as far as pests are concerned, because they are usually quite resistant to them.
However, In the case of diseases we do have to be more careful, at least as far as root rot (mostly caused by excessive watering) is concerned.
Multiplication
Lastly, we have the spread of crassula rupestris. And it is the easiest, because You will only need to make stem cuttings.
That's right, as you hear. If you take some more or less large stems and cut them, the main plant will sprout there again, but so will the cutting. Yes indeed, Do not plant them directly, let them seal the wound you cause to prevent them from rotting when you plant them.
Another way to propagate it is through the leaves, leaving it in the pot and waiting for it to generate roots to bury it little by little and seeing how a new plant emerges from it.
As you see, Crassula rupestris can be an ideal plant for beginners, for those who do not have much time or for those who have a passion for these plants. You dare?