Crassula Columnaris Auct.
Crassula columnaris auct. is a succulent plant native to southern Africa. It is commonly known as the 'Shark's Tooth Crassula' and belongs to the family of Crassulaceae.
General Appearance
This plant has an upright and columnar growth habit, with its stem growing up to 50cm in height. Its striking appearance is due to its leaves, which are densely packed and closely stacked together, forming a shark's tooth-like structure. The leaves are green to blue-green in color and are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stems. The plant blooms in the summer and produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stems.
Uses
Crassula columnaris auct. is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance. It is easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors in a well-draining soil mix. It is drought tolerant and can survive in temperatures between 50-90°F. This plant is often grown as a part of a succulent collection or as a focal point in a garden or landscape design.
Light Requirements
The Crassula columnaris plant thrives in bright, indirect light and can even tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day. However, intense and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and make them turn yellow or brown.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the Crassula columnaris plant is between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It can tolerate slightly lower or higher temperatures, but extreme heat or cold can damage the plant or stunt its growth. The plant also prefers a humid climate, but it can survive in drier environments if provided with regular watering.
Soil Requirements
The Crassula columnaris plant requires loose, well-draining soil that allows water to flow freely and prevents waterlogging. A good soil mix for this plant should contain a combination of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Fertilizer is not necessary, but an occasional application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can promote healthy growth. Over-fertilization can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid excessive feeding.
Cultivation
Crassula columnaris auct., commonly known as the Red Pagoda, is a low-maintenance succulent that's easy to cultivate. It's an excellent choice for beginners and can be grown in a variety of settings. This succulent prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade.
You can grow Red Pagoda indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference. Indoors, this plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, while outdoors, it can tolerate direct sunlight.
Watering
Watering this plant should be done sparingly. Overwatering can lead to rot, so you must avoid it. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, and water only when necessary. The frequency of watering depends on the environment, but monthly watering is a good starting point.
The soil should be allowed to dry before watering, and the water should be minimal. Watering with a drip irrigation system is recommended.
Fertilization
This succulent does not require a lot of nutrients, but some fertilization can improve its growth and health. During the growing season, you can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilize the plant once a month for the best results.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is not critical, but it can be done to control its size and shape. Pinch back the stems or remove some of the lower leaves to shape the plant. Pruning is best done during the growing season, and using sterile pruning tools is recommended to prevent any infections.
Propagation methods for Crassula columnaris auct.
There are several ways to propagate Crassula columnaris auct., including:
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are a very common method of propagation for Crassula columnaris auct. Take a healthy leaf and cut it from the stem at a slight angle. Let the cutting dry out for 1-2 days, then place it on top of soil or directly in a pot. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and make sure to place the cutting in bright, indirect light. New roots should begin to form in 2-3 weeks.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Crassula columnaris auct. Cut a piece of stem from the parent plant and let it dry out for 1-2 days. Insert the stem cutting into the soil or directly into a pot, making sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the cutting in bright, indirect light and new roots should begin to form in 2-3 weeks.
Division
If the parent plant is large enough, you can also divide it to create new plants. Gently remove the plant from its pot or container and use a clean, sharp knife to divide the plant into several sections, making sure each section has roots and stems. Plant each section in its own pot with fresh soil, and make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the new plants in bright, indirect light.
Offsets
Crassula columnaris auct. also produces small offsets that can be used for propagation. Gently remove the offsets from the parent plant and plant them in their own pot with fresh soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the new plants in bright, indirect light. The offsets should begin to grow and develop roots in a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula columnaris auct.
Crassula columnaris is generally a low-maintenance plant and not very susceptible to diseases and pests. However, if the plant is not provided with the right conditions or care, it can become vulnerable to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Crassula columnaris and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Root rot: This is a common disease that affects crassulas and is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. If the plant is infected with root rot, the leaves turn yellow, then brown, and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, it is best to cut off the infected parts of the roots and repot the plant in a well-drained soil mix.
Leaf spots: These are small, circular, or irregular brown spots that appear on the leaves, caused by fungal infections. To prevent leaf spots, it is recommended that you avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation to keep the leaves dry. To manage the disease, it is advisable to remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cotton-like insects that suck sap from the plant. To control mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them. Another effective method is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant. It is important to repeat the treatment every week until all the mealybugs are gone.
Spider mites: These are tiny, spider-like insects that suck sap from leaves, causing yellowing and a stippled appearance. To control spider mites, you can use a mixture of water and dish soap to spray the plant or use insecticidal soap. It is recommended to spray the plant every week until the mites are gone.
With the right care and attention, Crassula columnaris can thrive and remain free from diseases and pests. Regularly inspecting your plant and acting quickly when you notice signs of disease or pest infestation is crucial to keeping it healthy.
