Overview
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is also known by common names such as String of Buttons, Necklace Vine, or Pickle Plant.
Origin
The plant is native to South Africa. It can be found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.
Appearance
The Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken has a unique and interesting appearance. As a succulent, the plant features fleshy leaves that are green and shaped like thick pencils. The leaves grow up to 4 cm long and up to 6 mm wide. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem.
The plant grows up to 20 cm tall and 50 cm wide. It produces branching stems that trail or hang down from the container. The plant can also grow horizontally and form a ground cover. Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken produces small white flowers in early summer.
Uses
The Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken is mainly grown as an indoor plant, particularly in hanging baskets and containers. It can also be grown outdoors in rock gardens or as a ground cover in frost-free areas. The plant is easy to care for, making it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in low light conditions, making it an ideal plant for those who are still learning to care for succulents.
As an ornamental plant, Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken is used for decorative purposes. Its unique and interesting appearance makes it an ideal plant for creating attractive succulent arrangements. Its pendant stems also make it a popular plant for hanging baskets and small containers.
Light Requirements
The Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken plant thrives in bright, indirect light. It is best to keep it near a west or south-facing window where it can get at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. However, direct sunlight for extended periods can damage the plant. If it isn't possible to provide it with enough natural light, artificial lights can be used as a supplement.
Temperature Requirements
The Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night. It can tolerate a temperature as low as 40°F (4°C) for a short period. To prevent the plant from being stressed by fluctuations in temperature, it's best to keep it away from drafts and heating/cooling vents.
Soil Requirements
The Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken plant doesn't require specific soil but prefers well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. It can be grown in a cactus potting mix or a combination of succulent soil with perlite or sand. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. It's recommended to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Cultivation Methods
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken is best grown in a potting mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. It is important to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to root rot.
The plant prefers bright and direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. It can tolerate slightly shaded areas but may become leggy if left in low light conditions for too long. The optimum temperature range is between 60°F to 80°F. It is unsuitable for areas with extremely high humidity as it can cause fungal infections.
Watering Needs
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken requires moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and eventually fall off.
The plant is drought-tolerant due to its succulent leaves, but it is recommended to water it regularly during the growing season. Reduce watering during the winter or dormant season to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require regular fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer once a month with regular watering.
Do not fertilize the plant during the winter or dormant season as it does not require additional nutrients during this time.
Pruning
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken does not require frequent pruning. However, it is recommended to remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health.
Pruning the plant can also encourage bushier growth by removing the apical dominance. Use clean and sterile shears to avoid transferring infections to the plant.
Propagation methods for Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken
There are several methods for propagating Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken, including:
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are a popular method for propagating succulent plants like Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken. To take a leaf cutting, simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant by gently twisting it off at the base. Allow the leaf to dry for a day or two, then place it on top of some moist well-draining soil or a bed of sand. Within a few weeks, roots and a new plantlet should begin to form.
Stem cuttings
In addition to leaf cuttings, stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken. To take a stem cutting, use a clean, sharp blade to make a cut just below a leaf node. Allow the cutting to dry for a day or two, then plant it in well-draining soil or a mix of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and within a few weeks, new roots and leaves should begin to grow.
Division
Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating a mother plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. To divide the plant, gently remove it from its pot and separate the roots and stems with a clean, sharp blade. Plant each new section in a fresh pot with well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Seed propagation
Finally, Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Toelken can also be propagated from seed. This is a less common method, as the plant can take a long time to reach maturity from seed. To propagate from seed, collect ripe seeds from the plant and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect light. Within a few weeks, the seeds should germinate and begin to grow.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that may affect Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, always make sure that the soil is well-drained and that the plant is not sitting in standing water. In addition, allow the topsoil to dry out before watering the plant again. If root rot has already set in, one possible solution is to replant the Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata in fresh soil and a well-draining pot.
Another disease that could affect the plant is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure to give the plant adequate space and air circulation. Additionally, avoid wetting the foliage directly when watering the plant. If powdery mildew is already present, you can use a fungicide to treat the affected areas or wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Pest Management
One common pest that can infest Crassula schimperi Fisch. & C.A.Mey. var. lanceolata is spider mites. These tiny pests can cause yellowing and leaf drop. To prevent spider mites, make sure to regularly dust and spray the plant, particularly the undersides of the leaves. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use an insecticidal soap to control spider mite populations.
Another pest that could afflict the plant is mealybugs. These small, white insects usually cluster at the base of the leaves and on the stems, where they suck out the plant's sap. To prevent mealybugs, regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and isolate any affected plants from healthy ones. You can also use a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the mealybugs by hand, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
