Origin
The Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to the Namib Desert in Namibia and Angola, where it can be found growing in rocky outcrops and sandy soil. It is well adapted to the arid conditions of the desert and can survive long periods of drought.
Common Names
The Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is commonly known as the "Namib Desert Crassula" or the "Elephant's Foot". These names are derived from the plant's ability to store water in its leaves, making it resemble an elephant's foot and enabling it to survive in the desert environment.
Uses
The Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. Its attractive appearance and ability to withstand dry conditions make it a popular choice for gardeners and succulent enthusiasts. In addition, the plant is also used in traditional medicine in Namibia, where it is believed to have healing properties for a range of ailments.
General Appearance
The Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is a small succulent plant that can grow up to 20 cm in height. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem, forming a rosette shape. The leaves are bluish-green in color and have a waxy cuticle to help them retain water. The plant produces tiny white or pink flowers on long stems during the summer months. Overall, the Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is a beautiful and hardy plant that is well adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions.
Light Requirements
The Crassula elegans subsp. namibensis requires bright to full sunlight for optimal growth. It is best to place the plant in a south-facing window or in an area where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but it is important to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
Crassula elegans subsp. namibensis thrives in well-draining soil. A mixture of half potting soil and half perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is a succulent plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can grow in a variety of soils but prefers a well-draining mixture that is slightly acidic. The plant does best in bright, indirect light, and should be protected from direct sunlight. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation and is a good choice for container gardening.
Watering needs
This plant is drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly. It is important to let the soil dry out completely before watering again to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During the growing season, watering once a week is usually sufficient, but in the winter months, the plant may need water even less frequently.
Fertilization
Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every six to eight weeks during the growing season, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Overfertilization can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak, making it more susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning
Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken typically does not require pruning other than removing any dead or diseased leaves. However, if the plant becomes too tall and leggy, it can be trimmed back to promote new growth and a more compact shape. Pruning can be done at any time of the year but is best done during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken
Crassula elegans Schönland & Baker f. subsp. namibensis (Friedrich) Toelken can be propagated via various methods including:
Leaf division
The plant can easily be propagated through leaf division. So, remove a mature leaf by gently twisting it off the stem. Ensure that you have a clean-cut before planting it directly in a potting mix or sand, and keep the soil moist and well-draining. After two to three weeks, the new plant should begin to form roots.
Seeds
Although seeds take longer to get established, they are an excellent way to propagate Crassula elegans. Before sowing, soak the seeds for 24 hours and place them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil evenly moist, cover it with plastic wrap to maintain humidity, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks, and within a year, the plants can be re-potted or planted outdoors.
Cuttings
Depending on their maturity, cuttings can root faster than seeds. Before taking a cut, make sure that the mother plant and the cutting tool are clean and sharp. Cut a stem from the mother plant and let the stem dry out for one or two days in a shaded spot. Plant the stem in a soil mix or sand and water the plant regularly.
Whichever propagation method is chosen, ensure that the plant is placed in a well-lit area to enable proper growth.
Disease Management
Crassula elegans subsp. Namibensis is susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew disease appears as a white powder-like substance on the plant's leaves, flowers, and stems, while leaf spot appears as black or brown spots on the leaves. Root rot occurs when the soil is overly wet, and it leads to the rotting of the roots.
To manage these diseases, ensure that the plant is not overwatered as this encourages fungal growth. Similarly, avoid wetting the leaves as this creates a conducive environment for the development of fungal diseases. In case of an infection, remove the affected part of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Crassula elegans subsp. Namibensis is also susceptible to pest infestations, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as white cottony masses on the leaves and stems, while spider mites cause discoloration and stunted growth. Scale insects can appear as raised bumps with a waxy appearance.
To manage these pests, regularly check the plant and remove any visible insects with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Additionally, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests. It is important to use the right amount as excessive use might lead to toxicity or damage to the plant.
