Overview:
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides is a succulent perennial plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This plant has various common names, such as Red Pagoda, Red Horns, and Red Crassula. The plant is native to the Cape Province of South Africa and is hardy to USDA zones 10-12.
Appearance:
The Red Pagoda is a low-growing plant, reaching a height of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) and spreading up to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) wide. The leaves are flat and triangular, bright green in color, and edged with red. The plant blooms in late winter or early spring with delicate star-shaped, white to pink flowers that grow on a 6-inch (15 cm) tall stem.
Uses:
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides is a popular indoor plant that can be easily grown in a windowsill. It is also grown in rock gardens or as a ground cover in warm climates. The plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or seeds. The Red Pagoda can be used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as well as a decorative plant in dish gardens, or as a tabletop plant.
Care:
The Red Pagoda prefers bright light or partial shade with well-draining soil. It can handle some drought but prefers to be watered occasionally and allowed to dry out before watering it again. The plant can tolerate temperatures above 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius) but needs protection from frost. Overwatering is a common mistake done by plant enthusiasts that need to be avoided to maintain plant health.
In summary, Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides is a low-growing succulent plant that is native to South Africa, has various common names such as Red Pagoda, Red Horns, and Red Crassula. It is an indoor plant that is easy to grow, propagate, and care for. The plant's overall appearance is characterized by its delicate white to pink flowers, triangular bright green leaves with red margins.Light Requirements
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, causing sunburns on its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures and is adapted to drought conditions. It is ideal to keep the temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 40-50°F (5-10°C) during the night. If exposed to colder temperatures, the plant's growth can slow down.
Soil Requirements
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides prefers a well-draining soil mix that is nutrient-rich. The soil should contain a significant amount of perlite, coarse sand, and pumice to allow air to circulate in the roots. A soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides is a drought-tolerant plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It is important to ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil mixtures that contain sand or perlite.
The ideal location for growing this plant is in bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
During the growing season, which typically occurs during spring and summer, the plant should be watered sparingly, and the frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant season (fall and winter).
The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Watering Needs
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides is a succulent that has adapted to survive in arid environments and, therefore, has low watering needs.
The plant should be watered only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause irreparable damage to the plant.
During hot weather or in dry climates, the plant might require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal fertilization.
The plant can be fertilized with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that is formulated for succulents once a month during the growing season.
Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, leading to damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Crassula mesembryanthoides (Haw.) D.Dietr. subsp. mesembryanthoides as the plant does not grow uncontrollably and typically maintains its shape naturally.
However, if the plant becomes leggy or looks unbalanced, it can be pruned by cutting back the stems, removing overgrazed leaves, or trimming the roots.
Pruning should be done during the active growth stage to ensure plant recovery.
Propagation of Crassula mesembryanthoides subsp. mesembryanthoides
Crassula mesembryanthoides subsp. mesembryanthoides can be propagated through different methods, such as stem cuttings and leaf cuttings.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
To propagate Crassula mesembryanthoides subsp. mesembryanthoides through stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Select a healthy stem from the mother plant. Make sure to choose a stem that has no damages or wounds.
- Using a sharp and clean gardening shear, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle. The cutting should be around 4-5 cm long.
- Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only 1-2 pairs of leaves at the top.
- Let the cutting dry for a couple of hours to prevent rotting.
- Prepare a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of potting soil and perlite.
- Insert the cutting into the rooting medium, burying the lower part of the stem where the leaves were removed.
- Water the cutting lightly, just enough to moisten the rooting medium. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting.
- Place the cutting in a warm, bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the cutting should start to root and produce new growth.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
To propagate Crassula mesembryanthoides subsp. mesembryanthoides through leaf cuttings, follow these steps:
- Select a healthy leaf from the mother plant. Choose a leaf that is plump and has no damages or wounds.
- Using a sharp and clean gardening shear, cut the leaf from the stem, making sure to include a small part of the stem at the base of the leaf.
- Let the leaf cutting dry for a couple of hours to prevent rotting.
- Prepare a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of potting soil and perlite.
- Place the leaf cutting on the rooting medium, burying the stem part at the base of the leaf into the soil. Make sure the leaf remains upright.
- Water the cutting lightly, just enough to moisten the rooting medium. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting.
- Place the cutting in a warm, bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, the leaf should start to produce roots and new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula mesembryanthoides
Common Diseases:
The most common disease affecting Crassula mesembryanthoides is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and softening of the leaves. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and reduce watering during the plant's dormant period.
Another disease that can affect this plant is black spot, which is caused by a fungus. Symptoms include black spots on the leaves and stem, leading to wilting and premature leaf drop. To manage black spot, remove infected leaves and stems and apply a fungicide.
Common Pests:
The most common pests that can affect Crassula mesembryanthoides are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are tiny, red or brown insects that infest the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and a fine webbing. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them or apply insecticidal soap.
Aphids are small, green or black insects that also suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage aphids, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water or apply insecticidal soap.
