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How to grow and care for Crassula ovata E.Mey.

plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Crassula ovata E.Mey., Curly Crassula

Crassula ovata E.Mey. 101 - Plant Care Instructions

Bright direct light

16C° ~24C°

Every 14 days

Botany Encyclopedia

Family : Crassulaceae

🌿 Photosynthesis

They use CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis, common in desert plants. This means they close their stomata during the day to minimize water loss and carry out photosynthesis at night. It's best to water them at night. However, they are sensitive to overwatering, so they should be kept in a well-ventilated environment without excess moisture.

Genus : Crassula

🔖 Care Tips

In summer, pay attention to plant care. If your area is hot and humid, use shade cloths or ensure good airflow to regulate temperature. Succulent leaves may have a white powder, which is a wax-like substance that protects the plant from losing moisture and from strong sunlight. Young leaves can regenerate this powder, but older leaves cannot, so it's best not to remove it.

🏝️ Habitat Conditions

It primarily grows in the dry highlands and tropical regions of South Africa. It thrives in dry and warm places.

🪨 Soil Mix

Plants that prefer dry environments should be planted in well-draining soil. Typically, succulents use a soil mix of potting soil and pumice in a 3:7 ratio. However, this ratio can vary depending on the situation and environment.

🌡️ Environment

The ideal temperature is 18-25°C. Keep the minimum temperature above 5°C. A dry environment helps the plant thrive.

👀 Characteristics details

This plant has thick leaves and stems, making it well-suited for dry environments. Be careful not to overwater it.

☀️ Light

Plants grow healthier with more light. If they lack light, their color may fade and they can become weak. Ensure your plants receive enough light.

💧 Water

Do not water too frequently. Water when the leaves become wrinkled or soft. In summer, growth slows, and in winter, the plant goes dormant, so it's best to water when the soil is completely dry. This plant closes its stomata during the day and does not transpire, so it's better to water at night. After watering, place the plant in a well-ventilated area.

🌱 Propagate

In spring, cut healthy stems and let them dry for a few days before planting them deep in soil without fertilizer. Avoid watering for 3-7 days after planting, as the stem may rot without roots. Gradually increase light exposure, starting with indirect light, and maintain high humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C.

🪴 Repot

Repot healthy plants every 2-3 years in spring, as they do not grow quickly. Water them 4-7 days after repotting, not immediately.

💊 Fertilize

Succulents do not require much fertilizer. However, if they are not vibrant or growing well despite sufficient light, it's good to apply a small amount of fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing immediately after repotting; wait 2-4 weeks before doing so.

🌺 Flower

A mature plant, around 3-4 years old, can bloom if it receives plenty of light and stays dry during the day, and is kept in a cool environment at night. However, this is very difficult to achieve indoors.

😵 Toxicity

Some species are toxic, so it's advisable to keep them away from pets and young children.

water

How to water Crassula ovata E.Mey.

How often should I water?

check Crassula ovata E.Mey. Every 14 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently

When do I need to water?

The soil should be at least 90% dry before watering again. this means about every 2 weeks in the warm season and about every 4 weeks in the cold season

Signs that it really needs water

leaves look a little wrinkled

View More Tips

Light & Location

How much light does a Crassula ovata E.Mey. need?

Bright direct light

Grow light

Light preference

Crassula ovata E.Mey. likes Bright direct light, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.

Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!

This plant prefers
2K ~ 20K lux to thrive!

20K~

20K

Start Light Meter

Temperature

Natural habitat

-15

8~40℃

Houseplants

-15

16~24℃

Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Crassula ovata E.Mey. at home, make sure the temperature is 16~24℃.

Humidity