Overview of Crassula intermedia Schönland
Crassula intermedia Schönland, also known as the Fire Cracker plant, is a small succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and indoor spaces.
Appearance of Crassula intermedia Schönland
The Fire Cracker plant has fleshy, succulent leaves that are green in color and can turn red when exposed to direct sunlight. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem and are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant grows up to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide, forming a dense mat of foliage.
Uses of Crassula intermedia Schönland
Crassula intermedia Schönland is a popular ornamental plant because of its attractive appearance and easy-to-care nature. It can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, terrariums, or as ground cover in rock gardens. The plant prefers bright but indirect sunlight and well-draining soil, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
The Fire Cracker plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, epilepsy, and fever. The leaves of the plant are crushed or boiled to extract its medicinal properties that are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Furthermore, Crassula intermedia Schönland is an excellent plant for attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden due to its vibrant red flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring.
Common names of Crassula intermedia Schönland
The Fire Cracker plant is also known by other common names like Red Pagoda, Chinese Pagoda, Chinese Jade, and Oriental Jade.
Light Requirements for Crassula intermedia Schönland
Crassula intermedia Schönland prefers bright but indirect light. It is best to place the plant in a well-lit area such as near an east or west-facing window.
Temperature Requirements for Crassula intermedia Schönland
The ideal temperature for Crassula intermedia Schönland is between 60°F to 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F but these extreme temperature conditions could stress the plant and lead to poor growth and development.
Soil Requirements for Crassula intermedia Schönland
Crassula intermedia Schönland prefers a well-draining soil medium. A mixture of potting soil, sand, and perlite could be suitable for the plant. The soil pH should be between 6.5 to 7.5. This will help ensure that the plant receives the proper nutrients necessary for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Crassula intermedia Schönland, commonly known as the silver dollar plant, is a succulent that is easy to grow. The plant does well in both indoor and outdoor environments and thrives in a bright light but can also withstand low light conditions. It is best to plant the Crassula intermedia in well-draining soil and a container with drainage holes. When planting, ensure that the plant is not buried too deep in the soil and the roots have adequate room to spread.
Watering needs
Watering the Crassula intermedia Schönland is crucial for its survival. You must avoid overwatering the plant as it may lead to root rot. Allow the topsoil to dry out completely before the next watering session. During summer, water the plant once a week and reduce the frequency during the winter season when the plant is dormant. Always water the plant at the base and avoid getting water on the leaves and stem.
Fertilization
The Crassula intermedia Schönland does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can feed the plant with a cactus or succulent fertilizer during its growing season in spring and summer. Fertilize the plant every two weeks as it encourages growth. Refrain from fertilizing the silver dollar plant during the winter season as it may lead to fertilizer burn due to low light levels and decreased growth rate.
Pruning
The Crassula intermedia Schönland does not require frequent pruning. You can prune the plant to shape it or remove any yellow leaves or dead stems. Remove at a node using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or shears. Pruning should only be done during its growing season as the plant is active and can heal quickly. Always discard the pruned leaves and stems in the garbage and disinfect the pruning tools to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
Propagation of Crassula intermedia Schönland
Crassula intermedia Schönland or the Fern Leaf Crassula is best propagated during the growing season through the different propagation methods outlined below.
Leaf cutting
Take a healthy leaf from the mother plant and let it dry for a day or two. Once the leaf has calloused over, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and water it sparingly. The leaf will produce roots and start forming a rosette in a few weeks.
Stem cutting
Take a stem cutting from the mother plant, ensuring it is at least 2 inches long and has a few leaves. Allow the cutting to callous over for a day or two, then plant it in a well-draining potting mix and water it sparingly. The stem cutting will root and start growing in a few weeks.
Division
When the mother plant has grown large enough, it can be divided into smaller plants with their roots intact. Gently remove the plant from the pot and divide it into sections, ensuring each section has roots. Plant the sections in separate pots with well-draining potting mix and water sparingly.
Offsets
Offsets or baby plants grow around the base of the mother plant and can be separated when they are large enough. Gently remove the offsets from the mother plant and plant them in separate pots with well-draining potting mix. Water sparingly until they have established roots.
Using any of these propagation methods, new Crassula intermedia Schönland plants can be grown and enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula intermedia Schönland
While Crassula intermedia Schönland is a hardy plant that thrives in many conditions, it can still be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. Being aware of these potential issues and knowing how to manage them can help keep your Crassula intermedia Schönland healthy.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Crassula intermedia Schönland is root rot. This can happen if the plant is overwatered or if it is planted in soil that does not drain adequately. Symptoms of root rot include discolored, mushy roots and a wilting or drooping appearance in the plant. To manage root rot, remove the affected parts of the roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Another disease that can impact Crassula intermedia Schönland is leaf spot. This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to die and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid getting the leaves wet when watering the plant. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
One common pest that can affect Crassula intermedia Schönland is mealybugs. These small, white insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove them from the plant by hand or treat the plant with an insecticide. You can also try wiping the leaves of the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the pests.
Another pest that can impact Crassula intermedia Schönland is spider mites. These tiny, spider-like insects also feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause discoloration, webbing, and ultimately the death of the plant. To manage spider mites, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil, being sure to coat the undersides of the leaves where the mites often hide.
Overall, the key to disease and pest management for Crassula intermedia Schönland is vigilance and prevention. Keeping the plant in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests or disease can help you catch issues early and manage them effectively.
