Crassula Lineolata Auct. Forma Gracilis Schönland - Overview
Crassula Lineolata Auct. Forma Gracilis Schönland is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is a variation of the Crassula lineolata plant. Common names for this plant include string of buttons, necklace vine or wormvine.
Origins
The plant is native to South Africa, where it is found growing naturally in the Cape Province, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape. It thrives in rocky, dry regions and is particularly adapted to survive during periods of drought.
Appearance
The Crassula Lineolata Auct. Forma Gracilis Schönland is a slender and trailing plant that forms beautiful and delicate chains of tiny jade-green leaves. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in length and its thin stems go in all directions. These stems put out small roots on contact with soil, allowing the plant to spread easily.
When grown in ideal conditions, the plant will start generating clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom in the summer.
Uses
The Crassula Lineolata Auct. Forma Gracilis Schönland is often used as a decorative plant. Its elongated branches look stunning when grown in hanging baskets or pots. It also looks great when combined with other succulents to create a lovely terrarium.
String of buttons is a low maintenance plant, making it ideal for those who have busy schedules. It requires little water and can survive long periods of drought. It is also resistant to pests and diseases.
Finally, the succulent has multiple medicinal applications. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions such as burns, rashes, and sunburn. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties which help to soothe joint pain and headaches.
Light Requirements
Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland typically grows well in bright light conditions. However, excessive direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorch, causing damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage to the plant, while temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can be fatal.
Soil Requirements
Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A mixture of succulent soil and perlite is ideal for the plant. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot.
Cultivation and Care of Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland
Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland, also known as the pencil plant or the Chinese jade, is a slow-growing succulent plant that is native to South Africa. Here are some tips on cultivating and caring for this plant:
Planting and Soil Requirements
When planting the pencil plant, make sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes and filled with well-draining soil. The soil should consist of sand, perlite, and peat moss mixed in equal parts to provide the right balance of nutrients and moisture.
Watering Needs
The pencil plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry to touch, generally once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization
Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland does not require regular feeding, but you can fertilize once every two or three months during the growing season with a succulent fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can damage the plant.
Pruning
The pencil plant maintenance is effortless since it rarely requires pruning. However, if the plant grows too tall or leggy, you can prune the top stem to promote bushier growth. When pruning, use clean, sharp shears and ensure that the cut is clean, cutting at the base of the stem.
Propagation of Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland
Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland can be propagated by various methods:
Leaf cuttings
The most common method of propagation is by leaf cuttings. Select healthy leaves from the plant and remove them gently with a sharp, clean knife. Allow the cutting to dry for a few hours before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and in bright, indirect light. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
Stem cuttings
Another method of propagation is by stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it into several sections, each with at least one node. Allow the cuttings to dry for a few hours before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and in bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root within a few weeks.
Division
If the plant has multiple stems, it can be divided at the root level to produce several plants. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the stems, taking care to keep the roots intact. Plant each stem in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and in bright, indirect light.
Seed
Propagation by seed is also possible, but it is not commonly done. The plant produces small, white flowers that develop into seed pods. Allow the seed pods to dry on the plant before harvesting them. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and in bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to several months.
Common Diseases of Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland
The Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland plant is generally a hardy succulent that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few common diseases that may affect the plant.
Root Rot: Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot in Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland plants. If the soil remains wet for long periods of time, it can lead to the growth of fungi and bacteria in the soil, which can cause the roots to rot. To prevent root rot, make sure you plant your Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Fungal Leaf Spots: Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland is susceptible to fungal leaf spots caused by various fungi that thrive in humid conditions. Symptoms of leaf spot include small brown or black spots on the leaves that slowly enlarge. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove affected leaves and improve ventilation around the plant.
Common Pests of Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland
The Crassula lineolata auct. forma gracilis Schönland plant is generally pest-resistant. However, the plant can still be affected by a few common pests.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They appear as white cottony masses on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny mites that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and drying up of leaves. To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with water or use insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small insects that appear as bumps on the stems and leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and premature dropping of leaves. To manage scale insects, scrape them off the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
