Overview of Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland
Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is a succulent plant species that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is also known by its common names such as "water pygmyweed," "water pygmyweed succulent," or "fingertips" and is native to South Africa's eastern areas.
Description of Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland
The plant has an aquatic habitat, and you can find it rooting in shallow or quick-moving water. The plant forms a compact mat rather than a stem, and the leaves grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are oval or spoon-shaped, dark green, and have a reddish tint on the tip. It has white colored flowers that bloom during mid-summer to early fall.
Uses of Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland
The plant primarily serves as an ornamental and an aquatic plant species. Due to its unique rosette growth pattern and shape, it adds an aesthetically pleasing appearance to any shallow water feature, pond, or aquarium. It can thrive in both indoor and outdoor water gardens. Additionally, it helps in water purification as it consumes nutrients from the water, reducing the amount available to algae blooms.
General Appearance of Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland
The Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland plant species grow into a compact mat. The leaves are oval or spoon-shaped, dark green, and have a reddish tint on the tip. The plant can grow up to 10 centimeters tall and spreads rapidly to the water's surface. The plant produces white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
Light requirements
Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland prefers bright light, but not direct sunlight. Be sure to keep the plant away from windowsills with direct sunlight, as it may cause the plant to sunburn. Low light conditions may result in the plant becoming stringy.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers a warm temperature between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C). Extreme temperatures should be avoided as they may harm the plant. During winter, avoid placing the plant in areas with drafty cold air or near heating vents that can dry out the soil faster than normal.
Soil requirements
The Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland requires well-draining soil that doesn't hold moisture for long periods. A well-drained potting mix with perlite, sand, and pebbles added can provide excellent drainage. The plant should also be watered sparingly as overwatering may lead to root rot, which may cause the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is an easy-to-grow plant that is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, light conditions, and temperatures. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
If planting the Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland outdoors, choose a well-draining spot with partial shade to full sun. For indoor cultivation, place the plant in a spot with bright indirect sunlight.
The plant can be propagated by both cuttings and seeds. Cuttings can be taken from the plant’s stems or leaves. To avoid damaging the parent plant, cuttings should be taken during the growing season, preferably in spring or early summer. Seeds can also be sown in spring or summer in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland prefers dry soil, and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to water the plant only when the soil has completely dried out. In general, the plant needs to be watered once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.
The best method for watering this plant is by using the bottom-up method. Pour water into the saucer and let the plant soak up the water from the bottom. This allows the roots to absorb the water they need without getting waterlogged.
Fertilization
Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland does not require heavy fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to promote growth. Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer can be added to the water during the watering process.
It is important not to fertilize the plant during its dormant season or when the soil is dry to avoid fertilizer burn on the roots.
Pruning
Pruning Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is not necessary. However, removing dead leaves or stems can help the plant look neater and promote new growth.
If the plant starts to get too leggy or top-heavy, it can be pinched back to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Crassula Natans Thunb. Forma Obovata
The Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. The plant is originally from South Africa, and it is commonly known as the "Oval-Leaved Crassula."
There are several methods for propagating the Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata. These methods include:
Leaf Cutting
The leaf-cutting method is the most common method used for propagating the Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata. A healthy leaf is selected, and it is carefully cut from the parent plant. The leaf is then left to dry for a few days to allow the cut to heal.
Once the cut has healed, the leaf can be placed on a bed of soil or a pot filled with well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The leaf should be placed in a bright and warm location, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Within a few weeks, new plantlets will start to emerge from the base of the leaf.
Stem Cutting
The stem-cutting method is another effective way to propagate the Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata. A healthy stem is cut from the parent plant and left to dry for a few days. The stem should be cut into sections, and each section should have at least two leaves.
The stem cuttings should be placed in a pot filled with well-draining soil and placed in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, new roots should start to grow, and new plantlets will emerge from the base.
Division
The division method is suitable for mature plants that have started to grow offsets. The plant is carefully uprooted from the soil, and the offsets are separated from the parent plant using a clean and sharp knife. The offsets should be planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil and placed in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Propagation of the Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata is relatively easy and straightforward, and it is an excellent way to expand your plant collection with this beautiful succulent.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland
Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is a small, succulent plant that is relatively easy to care for. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering, which can lead to the roots of the plant becoming infected with a fungal or bacterial pathogen. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not sitting in water for prolonged periods of time.
Another disease that can affect Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to promote good air circulation around the plant and to avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Fungicidal sprays can also be effective in managing this disease.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is mealybugs. These sap-sucking insects appear as white, cottony masses on the plant, especially in the leaf axils and at the base of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any visible insects with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In severe cases, systemic insecticides can also be effective.
Another pest that can affect Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland is spider mites. These tiny pests appear as small spots on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage if left untreated. To manage spider mites, it is important to promote good air circulation around the plant and to avoid overwatering, as high humidity can promote their growth. In severe cases, miticides can also be effective.
By following these tips and regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease and pests, you can help to ensure that your Crassula natans Thunb. forma obovata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schönland stays healthy and thrives in your care.
