Overview
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is a species of succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is a native of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, where it can be found growing in rocky grasslands, on cliffs, and in stony areas.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Red Crassula or the Hairy Crassula. It is also referred to as the Red Pagoda due to its characteristic stacked and triangular leaves that resemble a pagoda tower.
Uses
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is a popular ornamental plant due to its unique and striking appearance. It is often grown in gardens, rockeries, and containers as a decorative plant. The leaves of this plant are also used in traditional medicine in some African countries for the treatment of various ailments such as diarrhea, colds, and coughs.
Appearance
The Red Crassula is a small, evergreen succulent plant that grows up to 10 cm tall. It has a woody stem that branches out into multiple leafy stems. The leaves are fleshy, triangular in shape, and arranged in clusters that resemble a pagoda tower. The leaves are green, tinged with red, and covered with tiny white hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance. The plant produces small, white or pale pink flowers that bloom from late summer to early autumn.
Light Requirements
Crassula rubicunda var. hispida prefers bright sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon but needs protection against the intense midday sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in moderate to warm temperatures. It can withstand a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C) and a maximum temperature of 80°F (27°C). It is important to protect this plant from frost and freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Crassula rubicunda var. hispida requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A mixture of sandy loam and organic matter like compost or peat is recommended. It can also tolerate slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland, commonly known as the Red Pagoda, is a unique and stunning succulent plant native to South Africa. This plant is quite easy to grow, and it is a perfect choice for beginners seeking to try their hands at planting succulents. To cultivate this plant, you need to create a well-draining soil mix with sand, vermiculite, perlite, or pumice. Then, plant the succulent in a pot with proper drainage and place it where it can receive adequate light, preferably a spot with bright, indirect light.
Watering Needs
The Red Pagoda has moderate watering requirements and can survive long periods without water. It would be best to wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering to avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot. To determine whether the soil is dry, you can stick your finger into the soil to a depth of an inch. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water your plant. Also, avoid getting water on the plant's leaves, as this may cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of the Red Pagoda. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize the plant every two weeks. However, it would be best to use a balanced fertilizer with a higher proportion of potassium and phosphorus and a lower proportion of nitrogen. This is to prevent nitrogen burn, which may cause the leaves to discolor and die.
Pruning
Pruning the Red Pagoda is quite simple and straightforward, and you need to prune any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Also, you can prune the plant to control its size and shape by trimming the stem's tip. This will encourage the growth of more side shoots, making the plant fuller and more beautiful. Always use sterilized pruning shears or scissors to avoid introducing pathogens to the plant.
Propagation of Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is a beautiful succulent that can be propagated through several methods to help increase its numbers.
Leaf Cuttings
The easiest method of propagating Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is through leaf cuttings. Simply cut off a healthy leaf from the parent plant, let it dry for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots and eventually grow into a new plant.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is through stem cuttings. Cut off a healthy stem from the parent plant, let it dry for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots and eventually grow into a new plant.
Division
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland can also be propagated through division. Carefully remove the parent plant from the soil and gently separate the smaller plants that have grown around it. Ensure that each separated plant has a good root system and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks, the new plants should start growing.
Disease Management
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is generally resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can lead to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection and can be identified by spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Crassula rubicunda Drège ex Harv. var. hispida Schönland is a hardy plant and is less prone to pest infestations. However, it can still fall victim to some common pests. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Mealybugs: These small white insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed on the sap and can cause stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: These small arachnids feed on the plant's leaves and suck out the sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mix of water and dish soap.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests and diseases can help nip the problem in the bud. Additionally, maintaining proper soil moisture levels and providing adequate sunlight can help keep the plant healthy and less prone to these issues.
