Plant Description:
Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans, commonly known as the Water-Crickets, is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to the southeastern cape of South Africa. It is a small, creeping, aquatic herb that grows emersed or submersed in shallow water. The leaves are oval or oblong, fleshy, and light green, and they grow opposite to each other. The stem of the plant is slender and elongated, which makes it easy to spread and form a thick mat of vegetation.
Plant Uses:
Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans is a popular plant for aquariums and water gardens. Its pleasant green foliage serves as a habitat for aquatic animals, especially for small fish and shrimps. In addition, Water-Crickets can be used for landscaping ponds and fountains.
Plant Appearance:
The plant has small, shiny leaves that grow in opposite pairs along a slender stem. The leaves are oval or oblong, with a length of up to 5 mm and a width of up to 3 mm. The foliage is light green and has a waxy coating that helps it repel water. The stem is long and thin, reaching up to 20 cm in length. The plant's overall appearance is a dense mat of foliage that covers the water surface.
Overall, Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans is a lovely, decorative plant with its succulent leaves and its creeping, aquatic growth habit, providing a wonderful ecological environment for small aquatic animals while also adding aesthetic value to ponds and water gardens.Light Requirements
Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans prefers bright, indirect sunlight to promote healthy growth. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf damage or even death of the plant. Therefore, it needs some amount of shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in temperatures between 60 and 85°F (15 and 29°C). It is more tolerant of high temperatures than most succulent species.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils that are sandy, gritty, or rocky. It needs soil that can retain some moisture but doesn't hold water. An ideal potting mix for Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans should contain a combination of succulent soil and perlite or sand in a 1:1 ratio.
Watering Requirements
Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans requires regular watering during the growing season but less frequently during the winter months. The plant is sensitive to overwatering, and the soil should be allowed to dry completely before watering again. In addition, it prefers slightly acidic soil, and tap water should be avoided as it contains minerals that can harm the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Crassula Natans Thunb. Subsp. Natans
Crassula Natans Thunb. Subsp. Natans is typically grown indoors or under glass. It requires a dry, arid, and humid atmosphere, which is typical of a Mediterranean climate, where temperatures are warm to hot in the daytime and cool at night.
Ensure it is grown in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If grown outdoors during summer, partial shaded areas are ideal. During winter, place it in a warm and well-lit area in your house or greenhouse.
Watering Needs
Crassula Natans Thunb. Subsp. Natans requires moderate watering. It can go without water for up to a week, and it is ideal to let the soil dry before watering. Ensure that any excess water drains away, as this plant is susceptible to root rot caused by stagnant water.
When it starts to flower, gradually increase your watering frequency, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Crassula Natans Thunb. Subsp. Natans requires fertilizer during the growing season to enhance the quality of flowers and leaves. Fertilize the plant once or twice monthly during spring and summer using a recommended house plant fertilizer.
Ensure you do not fertilize the plant during the winter dormancy period, as this may be detrimental to the plant's health.
Pruning
Crassula Natans Thunb. Subsp. Natans does not require much pruning. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage as soon as you notice it. If the plant grows too tall, cut back the stem to the desired height.
Dead heading spent flowers will promote the growth of new flowers and maintains the aesthetics of the plant.
Propagation of Crassula Natans Thunb. subsp. Natans
Crassula Natans Thunb. subsp. Natans can be propagated through a variety of methods, including:
Leaf Cutting Propagation
One of the simplest ways to propagate crassula natans is through leaf cutting. Simply take a healthy leaf and remove it from the stem by gently twisting it off. Let the leaf dry out for a few days, allowing the end to callus over. Once the end is callused, place the leaf on top of some well-draining soil and mist it lightly every few days. Within a few weeks, the leaf should start to sprout new roots.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another effective way to propagate crassula natans. To do this, trim off a healthy stem from the parent plant and let it callus over for a day or two. Then, dip the end in rooting hormone and place it in well-draining soil. Water the soil and cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag. Place it in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Within a few weeks, you should see new roots and growth.
Division Propagation
Crassula natans can also be propagated by division, especially if the parent plant has become too large. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots into two or more sections. Make sure each section has some foliage and healthy roots. Replant each division into a separate pot with fresh, well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans
Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans is a relatively hardy succulent plant that can be prone to certain diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management techniques can help ensure the plant stays healthy and produces vigorous growth.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans is fungal infections. These infections can lead to rot and wilting if not treated promptly. One of the effective ways to manage fungal infections is through proper watering techniques. Overwatering and poor drainage can cause the plant to be vulnerable to fungal infections. Furthermore, improving air circulation around the plant and using fungicides can help control the spread of disease.
Bacterial infections can also occur, leading to the development of brown, mushy spots on leaves and stems. This can be prevented by ensuring the plant has enough space and that leaves and stems are not touching each other. Furthermore, disease-free planting materials should be used, and hygiene measures should be taken to prevent the spread of disease.
Common Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are the most common pests that can attack Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans. Spider mites and mealybugs suck sap from the plant causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. However, these pests can be controlled by washing the plant with soap and water, increasing the humidity around the plant, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs into the environment.
Scale insects, on the other hand, secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and causes the plant to appear shiny. Scaling can be managed by pruning away the affected parts of the plant, using oil sprays like neem or horticultural oil, and introducing natural enemies like parasitic wasps.
In conclusion, careful attention to plant health, sanitation, and proper care can help prevent and manage disease and pest problems for Crassula natans Thunb. subsp. natans. Early detection and intervention are crucial to preventing the spread of disease and pests.
