Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:51 am
Crassula succulents are some of the most popular and easy-to-grow plants around, due to their beautiful nature and excellent care requirements. These plants are one of the easiest types of plants to grow in the home, making them an excellent addition to any houseplant collection.
They come in a range of different shapes, sizes, and colors, and are almost impossible to kill. Crassula propagation tips can be used to create hundreds of new plants with just one existing specimen, making them incredibly cost-effective for even the greenest of gardeners.
The key to successful crassula propagation is choosing the right plant and using the correct method, which we’ll cover below.
In order to make sure that you get the most out of your crassula succulents, it’s important to know how to properly care for them and propagate your new plants from existing ones so that you have an endless supply of new plants to keep your collection growing beautifully!
Origin and distribution
Crassula succulents are native to South Africa, but they can be found in other parts of Africa as well. They’re also popular houseplants in Europe and the United States.
The name crassula comes from a Latin word meaning thick or fat, which refers to their fleshy leaves. There are over 300 different species of crassulas that vary greatly in appearance, size, and hardiness. Some of them even have colorful flowers.
One common species is the Jade Plant (crassula ovata), which has small white flowers, making it an attractive choice for a garden.
Crassula succulents are cold-hardy plants, so you can grow them outdoors year-round with protection from frost. If you keep your plant indoors all year round, provide indirect light for about 12 hours per day; too much direct sunlight will make the plant’s leaves turn brown and die.
Crassula succulents propagation
Crassula succulents can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer. Cut off a 4-inch-long piece of stem, and allow it to dry out for a day or two before dipping it into rooting hormone powder.
Use a pencil eraser (or any object with an even surface) to make a hole in moist potting soil and insert the cutting vertically until just half an inch remains above ground level.
Mist the soil lightly with water and place your pot near a sunny window where it will get plenty of indirect light without direct sunlight.
After 2-3 weeks, check on the plant to see if roots have formed by gently tugging on the bottom of the stem. If there’s resistance when you tug on it, you’ll know that roots have formed.
Crassula succulents care information
When it comes to caring for crassula succulents, less is more. These tough little plants are native to dry regions and can withstand long periods of drought. However, they will appreciate a little extra water during the hot summer months.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Crassulas are also tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
Light requirement
Crassula succulents are not demanding when it comes to light, but they will flower and grow more vigorously if they are given 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to give them some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn. In the winter, these plants can tolerate lower light levels.
Soil/potting mix
Crassula succulents are not particularly fussy when it comes to soil, but they do prefer a well-draining mix. A standard cactus or succulent potting mix will do the trick, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Whatever mix you choose, make sure to water it thoroughly before planting your crassula.
Watering
Crassula succulents are drought tolerant and can withstand long periods of time without water. However, they will appreciate a good watering every now and then.
To water your crassula succulent, simply give it a good soak, making sure the water drains all the way through the pot. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Use distilled or filtered water so that you don’t risk any contamination or salt buildup in the soil.
Always keep a saucer under your plant for easy access for watering if you want to take care of this monthly chore manually instead of automatically with an irrigation system.
Fertilizer
Crassula succulents are not heavy feeders, so you don’t need to fertilize them very often. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every other month during the growing season and skip fertilizer altogether during the winter.
When you do fertilize, use a succulent-specific fertilizer or a weak liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves. Water the plant thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
The best time to water your crassula succulent is in the morning when it will have time to dry off before nightfall.
Be careful not to overwater your plants! Some people recommend watering your plants once per week with a general-purpose houseplant sprayer like this one, but this may be too much for some varieties that are used to more arid environments (such as cacti).
Temperature
Crassula succulents are heat-loving plants and will do best in temperatures that range from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate some cooler temperatures, but they will not do well if the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area with cool winters, it’s best to grow your crassula succulents indoors where you can control the temperature.
Humidity
Crassula succulents come from semi-desert regions and can therefore tolerate dry conditions well. However, they will appreciate a little extra humidity, especially during the winter months when the air is typically drier.
One way to increase humidity around your plant is to use a pebble tray or humidifier. You can also mist your plant with water every few days. Just make sure the leaves are completely dry before nightfall to avoid rot.
The ideal humidity range is 40%-60%.
Pruning
You can prune your crassula succulents anytime during the growing season. The best time to do it is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To prune, simply cut off any dead or dying leaves and stems.
You can also trim back any overgrown areas to keep your plant looking its best. For example, if a branch starts to grow out too far from the base of the plant, you can trim it back so that only one or two new branches will form from that area.
If a branch gets too close to another branch and starts competing for sunlight, you may want to trim them both down so they are both getting an equal amount of light.
When to repot
One of the most common questions I get asked is when to repot a crassula succulent? The answer really depends on the size of the pot and the plant. If the pot is small and the plant is big, then it’s probably time to repot.
If the pot is big and the plant is small, then you can probably wait a little longer. But as a general rule of thumb, I like to repot my crassulas every two years or so.
Crassulas are fairly easy plants to care for and propagate, so if you know how to take cuttings, this should be an easy task.
Dormancy/Winter rest
As the weather cools and days grow shorter, crassula succulents enter into a period of dormancy. This is a time of rest for the plant when growth slows and the leaves may begin to fall off.
To care for your crassula during this time, water less frequently and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. You may also want to move your plant to a cooler location, such as a garage or basement, to protect it from freezing temperatures.
If you need to bring it inside, make sure that the temperature doesn’t exceed 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). Crassula plants can go outside again once all danger of frost has passed in springtime.
Flowers & fragrance
The Crassula succulent produces small, white, or pink flowers. They have a light fragrance that is most noticeable in the evening hours. These flowers are produced on new growth, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for them when your plant is actively growing. To encourage blooming, make sure your Crassula is getting enough light and water.
Growth rate
These succulents grow quite rapidly, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them and repot them every few years. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and be sure to drain any excess water.
Crassulas are also quite tolerant of drought conditions. To propagate, simply take a cutting from a healthy plant and allow it to callous over for a few days before potting in well-draining soil.
Toxicity
Crassula succulents are toxic. All parts of the plant contain saponins, which are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. If you have pets, it’s best to keep them away from your Crassula collection. When handling the plants, be sure to wash your hands afterward as the sap can cause skin irritation.
USDA hardiness zones
Crassula succulents thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. These plants are cold-hardy and can survive temperatures of up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but will not tolerate frost.
Pests and diseases
Crassula succulents are relatively easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. To prevent problems, water only when the soil is dry and keeps an eye out for any pests.
If you do notice any, remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Mealybugs are difficult to treat and may be best removed from your plant. There are also many insecticides available that can be used if necessary.
Fungal diseases will typically manifest as black spots on the leaves of your plant. These can be treated with a fungicide; however, it’s important not to apply too frequently because overuse will kill your plant!
To treat the spots, spray both sides of the leaf liberally with the fungicide and let sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat every 10 days until all symptoms have been eradicated.
