Crassula DEJECTA

Crassula DEJECTA - Doily crassula, Crassula dejecta, Crassula UNDULATA.

Crassula is a very interesting succulent plant. The familiar name "jade plant" or "money tree" was given to the genus thanks to its thick leaves and stems, and indeed translated from Latin 'Crassula' means "thick". Most representatives are native to Africa, some to Australia and 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 10-15 years, but older specimens can also be found.

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 are located opposite fleshy (thickened toward the middle) leaves, of a shiny bright green color in the shape of an ellipse. Solitary inconspicuous white flowers bloom on a peduncle in the form of a semi-umbel. Under domestic conditions, it blooms extremely rarely.

The jade plant is very popular in indoor floriculture, thanks to its decorative appeal, fairly rapid growth, and unpretentiousness. In addition, many beliefs are associated with it. The plant looks very impressive both individually in a separate planter and in arrangements with cacti and other succulents. Some species can be grown in bonsai style.

Crassula dejecta is a plant up to 35 cm (14 in) tall. It prefers a well-lit location. In the winter period, it prefers cool conditions.

Seeds are sown in a shallow container superficially in a sandy substrate, having previously mixed them with its top layer. They are moistened with 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. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of sowings. The cover is removed after sprouts appear. After the appearance of two to three leaves, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots. It is impossible to obtain seeds under domestic conditions.

Special notes: Seeds are very (!) fine.

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

From spring to autumn, the plant needs abundant 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 does not matter much for the jade plant, except during the heating season, when it is better not to keep the plant near a radiator. It needs regular room ventilation, as well as periodic damp wiping or a hygienic shower. In the warm season, the plant is fed once a month with liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents.

The jade plant is completely undemanding regarding soil; it feels great in a substrate of equal parts turf soil, humus, and sand with the addition of pieces of charcoal. Young plants are repotted annually into shallow containers, as the plant's root system is shallow. With age, the plant is repotted as necessary once every 2-3 years (when the roots become cramped) into a mixture of equal parts turf soil and leaf soil, humus, peat, and sand. To give the plant bushiness, you can pinch the top. It is rarely affected by pests.