Origin
Crassula albanensis Schönland is a succulent plant species belonging to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to the region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
Crassula albanensis Schönland is commonly referred to as the 'White Stones Plant' or 'Alban's Crassula' due to its resemblance to a rocky terrain, and its specific epithet being derived from the name of its discoverer, Alban L. Hean.
Uses
Crassula albanensis Schönland is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive white pebbly appearance on the leaves. It is suitable for indoor gardening and can be grown in containers or terrariums. This plant requires minimal attention and is drought-tolerant.
General Appearance
Crassula albanensis Schönland is a slow-growing succulent plant that can reach up to 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide. It features thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette formation, with each leaf resembling a small white stone. The leaves have a somewhat flattened upper surface and a convex lower surface. The stems of the plant are woody and can be covered in tiny hairs. The plant also produces small white flowers that grow on long stems.
Light Requirements
Crassula albanensis Schönland requires bright and indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It cannot withstand direct sunlight as it may lead to scorching of the leaves. Therefore, it's essential to place the plant in a location where it receives bright, indirect sunlight for around 4-6 hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in a temperature range of 60°F-80°F (15°C-27°C), with a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C). The plant cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F; therefore, it's crucial to maintain a suitable temperature regime for the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Crassula albanensis Schönland requires well-draining soil that is loose and porous. A mixture of peat moss, perlite or pumice, and coarse sand can provide the plant with adequate drainage while ensuring it does not get waterlogged. The soil must also be slightly acidic with a pH range of around 5.5 to 6.5, and the plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to grow well.
Cultivation methods
Crassula albanensis Schönland is an excellent succulent plant that originates from South Africa and it can grow indoors and outdoors. When cultivating this plant, ensure that it has access to bright indirect sunlight and protective shade from strong afternoon sun rays. Ensure that the plant has well-draining soil that is made of a mixture of perlite and peat moss substances. The plant grows well in a temperature range of between 50°F (10°C) and 80°F (27°C).
Watering needs
Crassula albanensis Schönland has low watering needs, and it should not be overwatered. Water the plant once every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce watering frequency to once a month in winter when the plant goes dormant. Before watering, ensure that the top layer of the soil is dry, and avoid letting the plant sit in water for too long as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
During the growing season, provide Crassula albanensis Schönland with a balanced fertilizer that has an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. Dilute the fertilizer to a quarter of the recommended strength and apply it every month. Fertilization should not be done in winter when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Although the plant does not need regular pruning, it can be done to maintain the plant's desired size and shape. Pruning can also help in eliminating dead or damaged leaves. Use pruning shears that are sterilized to avoid spreading diseases. Ensure that you prune the plant where the leaves meet the stem to avoid leaving stubs that can attract pests or diseases.
Propagation of Crassula albanensis Schönland
Crassula albanensis Schönland is an easy-to-grow plant that can propagate through several methods.
Leaf Cutting
Leaf cutting is the most popular way to propagate Crassula albanensis Schönland. To grow a new plant, take a leaf from the mature plant and allow it to dry for one day. After that, plant the leaf into the soil, making sure it is inserted gently. Make sure to keep the soil damp for the following few weeks, and the new plant will begin to grow from the base of the leaf. Be patient, as it may take several weeks or even months to see significant growth, particularly in lower light conditions.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be simple to propagate and are often successful. To start with, take a stem cutting from the mature Crassula albanensis Schönland plant and let it dry for a day. After that, plant the stem in a well-draining soil mixture and keep the soil damp. New growth should be observable in a few weeks. This method of propagation is more efficient than leaf cutting and will necessitate less time to mature into a mature plant.
Division
Division is a useful and effective method for producing many plants at once. Divide the mature plant carefully and repot into separate containers. Make sure each segment of the divided plant has roots, and pot them in their containers with well-draining soil. Following that, keep the soil damp and in bright, indirect light, and the new plants will begin to grow in a few weeks. This method of propagation is quicker than leaf cutting but needs a mature plant with many stems before being performed.
Offsets
Offsets are the baby plants that emerge from the mother plant's base. They can only be seen in mature plants and can be used to propagate the plant. To begin, gently remove the offsets and plant them in their pots with well-draining soil. Make sure to keep the soil damp. The new plants will grow in a few weeks, and they can be changed into bigger pots after they reach a mature size.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula Albanensis Schönland
Crassula albanensis Schönland, also known as the Dwarf Crassula, is a succulent plant that is generally easy to care for. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can harm its growth and overall health. Here are some common issues you may encounter with this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Rust - Rust appears as orange or yellowish spots on the leaves. The first step in dealing with rust is to remove any infected parts of the plant. This requires careful pruning, as you don't want to damage healthy tissue. You should also take care not to overwater the plant and to keep it away from damp areas. Chemical fungicides can be used, but they may harm beneficial insects.
Root Rot - Root rot is caused by overwatering and can quickly kill a plant. If your crassula albanensis is showing signs of root rot, stop watering it immediately and remove it from its pot. Gently remove any soggy soil and dead roots from the plant. Allow it to dry out for a few days before repotting it in fresh, dry soil. Skip watering for a couple of weeks to give the plant a chance to recover.
Pests
Spider Mites - These tiny pests can be identified by the webbing they leave on the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or an organic solution made of water and a few drops of dish soap. Regularly misting your plant with water can also help keep spider mites at bay.
Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small white insects that look like bits of cotton. They can be eliminated by carefully wiping the plant with a solution of water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, beneficial insects like ladybugs can be introduced to eat the mealybugs.
Scale Insects - Scale insects are small, hard, brown bumps that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of plants. Infestations can be controlled using horticultural oil. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can also be used to wipe away individual pests. However, it's important to be careful not to damage the plant while doing so.
Frequent inspections and maintenance can help keep your crassula albanensis Schönland healthy and vibrant. Avoid overwatering and keep the plant in an area with good air circulation to prevent disease and pest infestations from taking hold.
