Description
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This plant is commonly known as the rock jade or rock crassula due to its ability to thrive on rocky outcrops and slopes in dry regions. It has a thick stem that grows up to 30cm tall, and it branches out into smaller stems. The leaves of this plant have a unique shape that is oval and pointed with a glossy green appearance. It has bright pink to red flowers that bloom in the summer, which provide a striking contrast to the green leaves.
Origin
The Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken is native to the Cape Province in South Africa. This plant is commonly found in rocky areas and slopes in the dry regions of the country. It can also be found in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken is commonly referred to as rock jade or rock crassula. In South Africa, it is known as the kwasleutelplant or donkiepypie in Afrikaans, which translates to "sour key plant" and "donkey little pipe," respectively.
Uses
The Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken is used in traditional medicine in South Africa. The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and it is used to treat a range of ailments. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant and is popular among succulent enthusiasts. It can be grown in pots and rockeries and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
Light Requirements
The Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. However, it's important to avoid direct sunlight as it can lead to scorched leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for the Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata plant is between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for indoor growth as well as outdoor growth in areas with a temperate climate. However, it's important to protect this plant from frost as it's not cold-hardy.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix for this plant can be made by combining equal parts of sand, loam, and peat moss.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken is an easily cultivated plant that prefers well-draining soil. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors as long as it is placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. The plant requires warm temperatures, and its ideal growing temperature is between 60°F to 75°F. In colder climates, it is best to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Propagation is done through stem cuttings or from seeds. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be left to dry for a day before being planted in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
As with many succulent plants, overwatering is a common issue with Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken. It is important to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. During the growing season, watering should be done once a week. During the winter months, watering can be reduced to once every two to three weeks.
To avoid overwatering, it is recommended to water the plant from the bottom rather than from the top. This can be accomplished by placing the pot in a shallow tray filled with water. The plant will absorb the water from the bottom, and any excess water will drain out of the pot.
Fertilization
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken does not require frequent fertilization. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength before being applied to the plant. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata (Friedrich) Toelken. However, pruning can be done to control the size and shape of the plant. Pruning should be done during the growing season and should be limited to removing dead or damaged leaves. The plant should never be pruned during the winter months.
Propagation of Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata, commonly known as the 'Rosary vine', is a succulent shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It is an attractive plant with purple-tinged fleshy leaves and slender stems that produce small white flowers. Propagation of Crassula rupestris is an easy process, and the plant can be propagated through stem cuttings and seed sowing.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation of Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata using stem cuttings is the most common method due to its high success rate. Here's how it goes:
- Using a sterilized cutting tool such as a sharp knife or pruning shears, cut a healthy stem from the parent plant. The stem should be at least 3 inches long, with a few pairs of leaves attached.
- Keep the cutting at a dry and shaded location for a day or two to allow the wound to heal. This will prevent the cuttings from rotting when planted.
- Prepare a well-draining potting soil mixture, using a blend of cactus soil and perlite in equal parts.
- Insert the cutting into the prepared potting mixture, burying the lower leaf nodes. Press the soil lightly to firm it up.
- Water the cutting appropriately and place it in a shaded and warm location.
- The cutting should root in a few weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transferred to individual pots, and the normal care routine can be followed.
Propagation by seed sowing
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata can also be propagated by sowing seeds directly into the potting mix. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect seeds from the plant and rinse them in running water to remove any pulp or debris.
- Prepare a well-draining potting soil mixture, using a blend of cactus soil and perlite in equal parts.
- Spread the seeds over the surface of the soil, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere to the soil. Do not cover them with soil.
- Maintain a moist, shaded, and warm environment by covering it with a plastic bag until the seeds germinate. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
- Once you notice slow but steady growth, gradually expose the seedlings to bright light.
- When the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual containers, and continue following the normal care routine.
By using these propagation methods, it is possible to increase the number of plants of Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata.
Disease Management
Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata is a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, in conditions of high humidity, the plant may be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew and botrytis. To prevent these diseases, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. In case of an infestation, promptly remove the affected parts of the plant and treat with a fungicide according to the product instructions.
Pest Management
Although Crassula rupestris Thunb. subsp. commutata is not a common target for pests, some insects may still feast on this plant. The most common pests that might affect this plant are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony growths on the leaves while spider mites show thin web-like structures on the plant. To control these pests, one can use a solution of soap and water to wash the leaves and stem and carefully remove any pests that cling to the plant. Alternatively, one can use insecticidal sprays to manage these pests, but it is crucial to follow the instructions on the product label to avoid harming the plant.
