Origin
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken, commonly known as the Compton's Crassula, is a succulent plant that is native to southern and southwestern Africa.
Common Names
The Compton's Crassula is also known by several other common names such as Blue Tears, Red Pagoda, and the Propeller Plant.
Uses
Crassula namaquensis is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its unique and attractive foliage. It is often used in rock gardens, containers, terrariums, and as a houseplant. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes and has been known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
General Appearance
The Compton's Crassula has a distinctive appearance with its fleshy, green leaves that grow in opposite pairs. The leaves are triangular in shape and decorated with white, waxy spots. When exposed to bright sunlight, the leaves can turn to a pinkish-red color. The plant grows in a rosette form and can reach up to 30 cm in height. The Compton's Crassula blooms in the late fall and winter, producing clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers on tall stalks.
Light requirements
The Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii requires bright but filtered sunlight to grow properly. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant, so it's best to place it in an area where it can get good but indirect sunshine. The plant can also tolerate some partial shade but may grow at a slower pace.
Temperature requirements
The Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii thrives in warm conditions with temperatures ranging between 60 to 80°F (15 to 27°C). It cannot withstand frost, so it's advisable to move it indoors if you live in an area experiencing freezing conditions. The plant can tolerate high temperatures, but it's not advisable to subject it to temperatures above 100°F (38°C).
Soil requirements
The Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The soil pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.5. A cactus potting mix or a mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss can be used to grow the plant. The plant requires moderate watering, and it's advisable to let the soil dry out before watering again.
Cultivation Methods for Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken is a hardy plant that thrives in warm and dry growing conditions. It is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
The plant prefers well-draining soil and a full sun to partial shade location. In terms of planting, it can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings, or by division. When planting, make sure to provide ample space for the plant to grow, as it can reach up to 20 cm in height and 30 cm in width.
Watering Needs for Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken is an arid plant that requires minimal watering. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
The plant should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. When watering, make sure to water the plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain away from the soil. This will help prevent water from getting trapped and causing damage to the roots of the plant.
Fertilization of Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken does not require frequent fertilization, but a light feeding during the growing season can help promote healthy growth.
Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can cause damage to the roots and leaves of the plant.
Pruning of Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken
Pruning is not typically necessary for Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii (Hutch. & Pillans) Toelken, but it can be done if the plant grows too large or starts to look leggy.
To prune, simply use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears to cut back any stems or foliage that look unhealthy or out of place. Make sure to make the cut just above a leaf or node to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii can be propagated using various methods which include:
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are a common way of propagating Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii. Choose a healthy leaf and gently remove it from the plant, making sure to keep the petiole intact. Allow the leaf to dry for several days and then place it on top of well-draining soil. Over time, roots should develop from the petiole and new growth should emerge from the base of the leaf.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings involve taking a healthy stem from an established plant, removing any lower leaves, and then planting the stem into well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until new growth emerges from the base of the stem.
Seeds
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii can also be propagated from seeds, although this method takes longer than other methods. Collect seeds from mature plants and then plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until new growth emerges.
Division
Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f. subsp. comptonii can be divided to create new plants. Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Replant each section into its own container with a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula namaquensis subsp. comptonii
Crassula namaquensis subsp. comptonii, also known as the dwarf copper jade, is tough and resilient to most pests and diseases. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to some pests and diseases that can cause severe damage if not managed promptly.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect Crassula namaquensis subsp. comptonii include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs: These pests appear as small white cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. If left unchecked, they can weaken and eventually kill the plant. To manage mealybugs, wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and are usually found on the underside of leaves. They leave fine webbing on the plant and can cause stunted growth. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as small bumps on the plant's leaves and stems. They feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage scale insects, wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that can affect Crassula namaquensis subsp. comptonii include black spots, stem rot, and leaf spot.
Black Spots: This disease appears as black spots on the plant's leaves, caused by fungal infections. To manage black spots, remove the infected leaves and maintain proper watering and ventilation.
Stem Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, leading to decaying of the plant's stems. To manage stem rot, reduce watering and ensure the soil is well-draining.
Leaf Spot: This disease appears as light brown spots on the leaves, caused by bacterial infections. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and maintain proper watering and ventilation.
Overall, Crassula namaquensis subsp. comptonii is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate pests and diseases. However, regular inspections and management can help prevent severe damage and maintain the plant's health.
