Origin of Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège
Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège, also commonly known as the Candlestick Plant or the Waxen Crassula, is a succulent shrub that originates from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It can also be found in other regions of the country, such as the Northern Cape, the Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Common Names
The Candlestick Plant is the most widely recognized common name for this species. Other common names include the Waxen Crassula, Tall Crassula, and the Pencil Plant.
Uses
As an ornamental plant, the Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is highly valued in landscaping and indoor decoration due to its unique appearance. The plant grows into a tall, slender column shape, with leaves that are tightly clustered around the stem, almost resembling a candlestick or a pencil. It produces small, white flowers that grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant is relatively easy to care for and is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for hot and dry environments.
Additionally, the succulent leaves of the plant have been used in traditional medicine in South Africa. The leaves are crushed and applied topically to burns and wounds as a healing agent.
General Appearance
Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is a succulent shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Its stem is thin, erect, and woody, with branches that are widely spaced and usually tilted upwards. The leaves are opposite, elongated, and cone-shaped, with a smooth and glossy surface. They are typically pale green in color, with a pink or reddish tint when exposed to sunlight. The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in the summer and fall months.
The Candlestick Plant is a low-maintenance plant that does well in most soil types, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from moderate to hot, but cannot tolerate frost. With proper care, the Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège can live for many years, adding a unique touch to any garden or indoor space.
Light Requirements
Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège prefers bright indirect light. It can be grown indoors near a south-facing window or in a shaded outdoor area. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). It can tolerate temperature fluctuations but it is best to keep it away from cold drafts or extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining succulent soil that is moderately fertile. A mixture of cactus soil and perlite or sand is recommended. A pot with a drainage hole is required to prevent excess moisture from accumulating in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège, commonly known as the Shark's Tooth Succulent, is a lovely plant to add to your collection. It prefers a bright location, but be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight for an extended period, as this can cause the leaves to develop brown patches. The ideal temperature for growing this plant is between 65°F to 75°F, and it is important to keep the plant in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
While watering, be sure to utilize the "soak and dry" technique. This means that you need to water the plant thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out entirely before watering again. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks, but you should adjust your watering frequency depending on the temperature and humidity level in your region. Remember to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Adding a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to the plant's soil every two months from March to September can help it grow quicker. Don't forget to dilute the fertilizer before using it and avoid applying it to the plant's leaves because it could cause burn damage. Discontinue fertilizing during the autumn and winter months.
Pruning
Pruning the Shark's Tooth Succulent is entirely optional. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth, you can pinch or cut off 1-2 inches of the stem's tip. This will encourage the plant to develop new growth around the cut area, creating a more bushy appearance.
Propagation of Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège
Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is a succulent plant that is relatively easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is one of the easiest and most effective methods. To propagate through stem cuttings, the following steps should be taken:
- Find a healthy stem that is at least 2-3 inches long.
- Cut the stem with a sharp and sterilized knife.
- Allow the cut stem to dry in a shaded area for a day or two.
- Insert the cut end of the stem into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix.
- Water the cutting sparingly, only when the soil is dry.
- Place the pot in a shaded area. In a few weeks, roots will begin to form, and the plant will start to grow.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another way to propagate Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège. The following steps should be taken to propagate through division:
- Remove the plant from its pot
- Divide the plant into two or more sections by gently pulling them apart
- Make sure that each section has a good root system and some healthy foliage
- Plant each section into its own pot with well-draining soil
- Water the plants sparingly, only when the soil is dry
- Place the pots in a shaded area. In a few weeks, new growth will start to emerge
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula Columnaris Thunb. Var. Elongata E.Mey. Ex Drège
Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is a popular succulent plant that is native to South Africa. While it is generally a hardy plant, it can still be prone to certain pests and diseases.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is the mealybug. Mealybugs are small white insects that live on the stems and leaves of plants. They suck the sap from the plant, causing stunting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them manually. Alternatively, you can use an insecticide specifically designed for mealybugs.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège. These tiny insects can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause extensive damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions, so ensuring that the plant is well-watered and not exposed to direct sunlight can help manage them. You can also use an insecticide specifically designed to kill spider mites to protect your plant.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to become soft and mushy. This can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage, as the excess moisture can create an environment that is conducive to fungal growth. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-draining. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent further fungal growth.
Another disease that can affect Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to become distorted and yellow. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is well-ventilated to prevent further fungal growth. You can also apply a fungicide specifically designed to treat powdery mildew.
Overall, maintaining good plant hygiene, ensuring the plant has adequate water and sunlight, and keeping a close eye on any changes that may occur will help prevent and manage the diseases and pests that can affect Crassula columnaris Thunb. var. elongata E.Mey. ex Drège.
