Crassula MULTIFLORA

Crassula MULTIFLORA - Many-flowered crassula, Crassula multiflora, Jade plant.

Crassula is a very interesting succulent plant. The common name "jade plant" or "fat plant", the genus received thanks to its thick leaves and stems, and in translation from Latin "Crassula" means "thick". Most representatives originate from Africa, some from Australia and the island of Tasmania. In nature, it grows in wetlands and on rocky slopes. There are numerous perennial and annual varieties, both herbaceous and growing in the form of shrubs. They live for 10-15 years, but one can also encounter older specimens.

It grows quickly, and in a short time the smooth trunk of the plant can reach 30 cm (11.8 in) in diameter and 2 m (6.6 ft) in height. On solitary or bushy (treelike with age) shoots, opposite fleshy (thickened toward the middle) leaves are arranged, possessing a glossy bright green coloration in the shape of an ellipse. Solitary inconspicuous white flowers open on an inflorescence stalk in the form of a semi-umbel. Under home conditions, it blooms extremely rarely.

Crassula is very popular in indoor floriculture thanks to its decorative appeal, relatively fast growth, and unpretentiousness. Moreover, 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 the bonsai style.

Many-flowered crassula prefers a well-lit location. In the winter period, it prefers cool conditions.

Seeds are sown into a shallow container superficially on a sandy substrate, having preliminarily mixed them with its upper layer. They are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with glass or film, and germinated in light at a temperature of 17-21 °C (63-70 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings. The cover is removed after seedlings emerge. After the appearance of two or three leaves, seedlings are transplanted into individual pots. Obtaining seeds under home conditions is impossible.

Special notes: The seeds are very (!) small.

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Crassula is an uncomplicated plant to care for. It tolerates direct sunlight well and, regardless of the winter dormancy period, requires bright lighting year-round. With a lack of lighting, the stems of the plant pale and stretch out, while the leaves become smaller. In the home, it thrives on south and southeast windows, and in summer also in open air. In the spring-summer period, the optimal temperature is 21-25 °C (70-77 °F), and in winter - 10-15 °C (50-59 °F); one should not lower the temperature below 8 °C (46 °F). In intense heat the plant may shed its leaves, and in the cold the roots may rot.

From spring to autumn, the plant requires generous watering (1-2 times a week) after the top layer of the 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 completely. Air humidity is not of particular significance for Crassula, not counting the heating season when the plant is best kept away from radiators. It requires 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 absolutely undemanding regarding soil and thrives in a substrate of equal parts turf soil, humus, and sand with the addition of charcoal pieces. Young plants are repotted annually into shallow containers, as the root system of the plant is not extensive. 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 and leaf soil, humus, peat, and sand. To give the plant bushiness, one can pinch the top shoot. It is rarely affected by pests.