Overview
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is commonly known as String of Buttons or Crassula Baby Necklace, due to its uniquely-shaped round, flat green leaves that grow in alternating pairs along creeping, thin, reddish stems.
Origin and Habitat
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. is native to South Africa and can be found growing in rocky areas, cliffs, and crevices. It thrives in moderate to bright light and warm temperatures, making it an ideal houseplant.
Uses
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its pleasing appearance and low maintenance requirements. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation and can make a stunning addition to a rock garden or a hanging basket. This plant requires minimal watering and can tolerate neglect, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those new to plant care.
Appearance
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. is a small, creeping succulent that can grow up to 25 cm in height. Its leaves are round and flat, growing up to 2 cm in diameter. The leaves are bright green in color and grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The reddish stems can grow up to 60 cm in length and the plant produces small white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer.
Light Requirements
The Crassula sarmentosa Harv. requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly, and it prefers to be placed in a partially shaded area. This succulent plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause permanent damage. A shaded area with enough light will provide the ideal growth conditions for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Crassula sarmentosa Harv. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the plant may start to suffer from cold stress and can even die in extreme cases. Similarly, extremely high temperatures can cause dehydration and sunburn of the leaves.
Soil Requirements
The Crassula sarmentosa Harv. prefers well-draining soil, as it is susceptible to root rot if the soil is constantly wet. A sandy or gritty soil mix that is airy and allows for water drainage will provide the ideal growth conditions. A pH level between 6.0-7.5 is preferred by this plant. Regular potting soil mixtures can also be used, but perlite or sand should be added to improve drainage.
Cultivation
Crassula sarmentosa Harv., commonly known as String of Buttons, is a succulent plant that is primarily grown indoors. It is native to South Africa and has green, round leaves that are similar to buttons. To cultivate this plant successfully, you should follow certain guidelines.
The plant needs a location with bright, indirect sunlight but can also thrive in partial shade. If the plant is kept outdoors, make sure to protect it from direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves. It grows well in well-draining soil that is sandy and mildly acidic. You could use a commercial cactus soil mixture for cultivation.
Watering Needs
When it comes to Crassula sarmentosa Harv., less is more. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant. It would be best if you waited for the soil to dry out completely before watering the plant. It's better to underwater than overwater. You should check the soil moisture level by touching it, and if it is dry, then the plant requires watering.
During the summer months, you should water the plant once a week, and during the winter season, watering should be done every ten days. You need to water the roots, avoiding the leaves and flowers to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. requires very little feeding, and over-fertilization can be harmful to the plant. You can feed it once every month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Avoid applying fertilizer to the plant during the winter season when it becomes dormant. Overdosing may cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown, and that signifies fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Crassula sarmentosa Harv., but it can help to keep the plant a healthy shape. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged plant parts is important not to spread disease further. You can use a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove the unwanted parts.
The plant can be propagated through stem cutting. You need to cut the stem and remove the lower leaves, allowing it to dry and heal for several days. Then plant it in the soil mixture and give a small amount of water.
By following these steps, you can ensure healthy growth and longevity of your Crassula sarmentosa Harv. plant.
Propagation of Crassula Sarmentosa Harv.
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. can be propagated through various methods. The most common and successful methods include:
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings is the most commonly used method to propagate Crassula sarmentosa Harv. for it is easy and does not require much effort. It is best to take cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Simply remove a healthy leaf with a sharp, sterile knife by carefully twisting it off. Leave the cutting to callus for a few days before planting it in moist soil. Ensure that the leaf is planted the right way up. The cuttings should root in two to three weeks, and new growth will emerge shortly thereafter.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is another popular method of propagating Crassula sarmentosa Harv. This method involves cutting a segment of the stem, which has several leaves and placing it in moist soil after a few days of letting it callus.
Ensure the cutting has a minimum of two leaves and bury it in moist soil up to one-third of its length. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, new growth will emerge from the cutting.
Division
Propagation through division, also known as splitting the plant, is another excellent method for Crassula sarmentosa Harv. Simply uproot the plant from the soil, and gently separate the plant into different sections.
Ensure that each section has roots and leaves and plant each in its pot. Water the new plants regularly and keep them in a warm, bright location, and they will start growing within a few weeks.
With proper care and attention, the cuttings or divided plants will eventually grow into adult plants, producing their tubular, bright green leaves and a spectacular display of red and yellow flowers in the winter.
Disease Management
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. is susceptible to several diseases that can affect the growth, development, and appearance of the plant. It is essential to identify and manage these diseases promptly to prevent them from spreading and causing irreversible damage. Some of the common diseases that might affect Crassula sarmentosa Harv. include:
- Root rot: This fungal disease is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil with low oxygen levels. Signs of root rot include drooping, yellowing, and wilting leaves. To manage root rot, it is important to reduce watering and improve soil drainage.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that result in brown, black, or yellow spots on leaves. Avoid overwatering, water from the base of each plant, and improve air circulation to reduce humidity around the plant can help manage leaf spot.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal infection affects the leaves and stems of Crassula sarmentosa Harv. and appears as a white, powdery coating on the surface of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is crucial to remove infected leaves, improve air circulation and ensure proper plant spacing in outdoor settings.
Pest Management
Crassula sarmentosa Harv. can be attacked by various pests, including insects and mites. These pests can cause damage to the foliage, stems, and roots of the plant. Some of the common pests that might affect Crassula sarmentosa Harv. include:
- Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant's stems and leaves. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting leaves. It is recommended to remove infected areas of the plant, isolate it, and treat it with insecticide sprays containing neem oil, insecticidal soap, or rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: These pests create tiny, pale-colored spots on the leaves and leave behind webbing. They feed on the plant's sap, resulting in wilting and yellowing leaves. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to remove infected leaves, increase humidity, and use insecticidal sprays containing neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.
- Scale insects: These pests form small, circular scales on the plants' stems and leaves. Scale insects feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellow, wilted leaves. It is essential to remove infected leaves, and use insecticidal sprays to manage these pests.
