Crassula NUDICAULIS

Crassula NUDICAULIS - Naked-stemmed crassula, Crassula nudicaulis, Crassula OBVALLATA.

Crassula is a very interesting succulent plant. The familiar name jade plant (or crassula) was given to the genus due to its thick leaves and stems, and in translation from Latin 'Crassula' means "thick". Most representatives are native to Africa, some to Australia and the island of Tasmania. In nature, it grows in wetlands and on rocky slopes. There are many perennial and annual varieties, both herbaceous and growing in the form of shrubs. They live for 10-15 years, but one can encounter older specimens as well.

It grows quickly and in a short time the smooth trunk of the plant can reach 30 cm (12 in) in diameter and 2 m (6.6 ft) in height. On solitary or bushy (with age tree-like) shoots, opposite fleshy leaves (thickened towards the middle) are located, of a shiny bright green color in the shape of an ellipse. Solitary inconspicuous white flowers bloom on a flower stalk in the form of a half-umbel. In home conditions, it blooms extremely rarely.

Crassula is very popular in indoor floriculture, thanks to its ornamental value, rather fast growth, and unpretentiousness. In addition, many beliefs are associated with it. The plant looks very impressive both individually in a separate planter and in compositions with cacti and other succulents. Some species can be grown in the bonsai style.

Crassula nudicaulis is a perennial succulent native to southern Africa with a thickened root and several rosettes of fleshy leaves. In nature, depending on the habitat, the plant can vary slightly. The leaves can be either oblong and oval 5-8 cm (2-3.1 in) long, or short fleshy 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) long. A distinctive feature is the ability of the leaves over time to elongate into the appearance of long stems and grow into small bushes up to 25 cm (10 in) high. It blooms with small white flowers gathered in a flat umbel inflorescence.

Seeds are sown in a shallow container superficially into a sandy substrate, previously mixed with its top layer. They are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with glass or film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 17-21 °C (63-70 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided. The covering is removed after germination. After the emergence of two to three leaves, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots. Obtaining seeds at home is impossible.

Special notes: Seeds are very (!) small.

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Crassula is an easy plant to care for. It tolerates direct sunlight well, and regardless of the winter dormant period, requires bright lighting year-round. With insufficient light, the stems of the plant turn pale and stretch out, and the leaves become smaller. In the home, it thrives on south and southeast windows, and in summer outdoors as well. In the spring-summer period, the optimal temperature is 21-25 °C (70-77 °F), in winter 10-15 °C (50-59 °F); you should not lower the temperature below 8 °C (46 °F). In extreme heat the plant can drop leaves, and in the cold the roots can rot.

From spring to autumn, the plant needs generous watering (1-2 times a week) after the top layer of substrate dries out. From autumn to spring, watering is reduced to 1-2 times a month, and at temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F) it is stopped altogether. Air humidity is not of particular importance for Crassula, apart from the heating season, when the plant is best kept away from radiators. It needs regular room ventilation, as well as periodic damp wiping or a hygienic shower. During the warm season, the plant is fed once a month with liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents.

Crassula is completely undemanding regarding soil, feeling great in a substrate of equal parts sod soil, humus, and sand with the addition of charcoal pieces. Young plants are repotted annually into shallow containers, as the plant's root system is not extensive. With age, the plant is repotted as necessary once every 2-3 years (when the roots become crowded) into a mixture of equal parts sod and leaf soil, humus, peat, and sand. To give fullness to the plant, the top can be pinched. It is rarely affected by pests.