Origin
The plant Crassula ramuliflora Link & Otto var. flanaganii Schönland is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. The origin of this plant is southern Africa, specifically South Africa and Namibia.
Common Names
This plant commonly goes by the names Flanagan's Crassula and the Cape Province Pygmy Crassula. It gets its name Flanagan's Crassula because it was first discovered by a botanist named T.R. Flanagan in the 1930s. The name Cape Province Pygmy Crassula stems from the fact that it is native to the Cape Province of South Africa and its small size.
Uses
Crassula ramuliflora Link & Otto var. flanaganii Schönland is mainly grown as a decorative houseplant because of its beautiful appearance. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, mixed planters, and succulent gardens.
General Appearance
The plant Crassula ramuliflora Link & Otto var. flanaganii Schönland is a small, succulent perennial with tiny leaves that grow in a rosette formation. The leaves are triangular in shape and have a greenish-gray color. The plant typically grows to a height of about 3 cm and a width of about 5 cm. It produces small clusters of white flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal decorative plant for those who live in arid climates.
Light Requirements
Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii is a succulent plant that requires bright light for healthy all-round growth. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. As such, it is essential to locate the plant in an area with full sunlight if grown indoor. Outdoors, it does well in partial to full sun. However, it is essential to protect the plant from intense afternoon sun, which may burn or even kill it.
Temperature Requirements
This succulent has a high tolerance to extreme temperatures and can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures. In its natural habitat, Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii can withstand temperatures ranging from 35?F to 110?F. However, for optimum growth, it is best to maintain the temperatures between 60?F to 75?F, especially during the growing season. To prevent frostbite, it is crucial to ensure temperatures remain above 35?F.
Soil Requirements
The soil in which Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii grows must be well-draining and not be waterlogged. The succulent prefers a mildly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A good soil mixture should comprise of coarse sand, peat moss, and perlite. These additions will lend to the soil texture, improve drainage while retaining the right amount of moisture and provide enough nutrition to the plant. During the growing season, it is essential to fertilize the plant once a month with a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer solution.
Cultivation of Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii
Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii is a succulent plant that is quite easy to cultivate. It is ideal for beginner gardeners due to its low-maintenance requirements.
The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be grown in containers with holes for proper drainage. The soil should be a mixture of potting soil, sand, and pumice or perlite to improve drainage.
The plant thrives in bright indirect sunlight and should be placed in a location that receives light for about 4-6 hours every day.
Watering Needs of Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii
The watering routine for Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii should be done sparingly because the plant is succulent and stores water in its leaves. Overwatering may lead to root or stem rot.
Water the plant once the soil is completely dry, and water thoroughly until water drains out of the drainage holes. It is best to use room temperature water to prevent shocking the plant.
Fertilization of Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii
Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once every two months with a balanced liquid fertilizer to enhance its growth.
It is crucial to remember that over-fertilization can scorch the leaves of the plant, leading to discoloration and death.
Pruning of Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii
Pruning is crucial for maintaining the shape and size of the Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii. You can prune old stems at the base of the plant using sanitized pruning shears.
Regular pruning helps promote new growth and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the growing season and avoided during dormancy.
Propagation of Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii Schönland
Propagating Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii Schönland can be done through various methods:
Leaf Cuttings
One of the most common propagation methods for this plant is through leaf cuttings. Simply take a healthy leaf and let it dry for a few days until the cut end has calloused over. Then, plant the leaf in well-draining soil and keep it moist until roots and a new plantlet form.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another way to propagate Crassula ramuliflora var. flanaganii Schönland. Take a stem cutting, allow it to dry for a couple of days, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting roots and starts to form new growth.
Division
Propagation through division is also possible for mature plants. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently divide the root ball into several smaller sections. Repot each section into its own pot with fresh soil.
Seed Propagation
Lastly, propagation through seeds is also possible. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them consistently moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into their own pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula ramuliflora Link & Otto var. flanaganii Schönland
Crassula ramuliflora Link & Otto var. flanaganii Schönland, commonly known as the Red Pagoda, is a succulent plant that can be vulnerable to certain diseases and pests. Proper care and attention can prevent and manage most of these issues.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be identified by yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not sitting in water and that the soil has good drainage. If root rot has already occurred, remove the affected parts and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot presents as small, brown or black spots on the leaves. It is usually caused by overwatering, high humidity, or poor air circulation. To prevent leaf spot, water the plant only when the soil is dry and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that love to feed on succulent plants. They excrete a sticky substance that can lead to mold growth and can cause deformities in the leaves. To manage mealybugs, wipe them off with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If the infestation is severe, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck the Sap out of it. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To remove scales, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and wipe them off the plant. You can also use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that can cause extensive damage to a plant. They feed on the plant sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, isolate the affected plant and spray it with water to remove them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
Regularly inspect the plants for signs of diseases and pests and take prompt actions. Healthy and well-cared-for plants are less susceptible to diseases and pests.
