Overview:
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is a hybrid plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This plant is a small, succulent shrub that is famous for its ornamental value and easy to maintain care requirements. It is a relatively new species that has gained popularity in the horticulture world.
Origin:
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is a hybrid plant that is created by crossing Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. and Crassula ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides. Both of these parent plants are native to South Africa. However, it is uncertain where this hybrid species developed.
Common Names:
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides goes by a variety of common names, including Coast Crassula, Mossy Crassula, and Coral Crassula.
Uses:
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is mainly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. The plant also has air-purifying properties and can improve the air quality in its surroundings. Besides that, it can also grow well in various conditions and thus, can be an excellent choice for beginners. It is also used for medicinal purposes, but more research is needed to explore its medicinal benefits effectively.
General Appearance:
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides has a dense, woody stem with small, bright green leaves. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem and form a compact growth habit. The plant has a bushy and clumping growth pattern and can reach a height of up to 50 cm. Its flowers are small and star-shaped and appear in the summer, the color being white to light pink. The overall appearance of the plant is attractive and can add personality to any room or garden.
Light Requirements
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides prefers bright and direct sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too little light can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to South Africa, where it grows in warm and dry climates. It thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C), but can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) and higher temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). Extreme temperature changes can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is well-draining and sandy, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can also grow in rocky or gravelly soils. Avoid heavy soils that contain clay, as they retain too much moisture and can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides, also known as the Red Pagoda, requires well-draining soil and bright and direct sunlight. It can be grown indoors in a pot or outdoors in a garden bed or a container. When grown indoors, ensure it receives at least six hours of sunlight every day.
Watering Needs for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides
The Red Pagoda requires moderate watering. It is essential to wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before watering it. During the growing season, from spring to summer, it may need more frequent watering than in the dormant season, from fall to winter. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Fertilization for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides
It is recommended to fertilize the Red Pagoda during the growing season. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a month or a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. However, avoid fertilizing it during the dormant season.
Pruning for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides
Pruning is not necessary for the Red Pagoda. However, you can prune it to encourage bushier growth. Pinch the stems at the tips or cut back the branches to the desired length using a sharp pruning shear. Use the discarded leaves and branches for propagation.
Propagation Methods for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides
There are different methods you can use to propagate Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides. Depending on your preference and the resources available, you can try one or a combination of the following:
Leaf Cuttings
One of the easiest ways to propagate Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is through leaf cuttings. Simply cut a healthy leaf from the parent plant and let the cut end dry for a day or two. Then, place the cutting in well-draining soil mix and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and the cutting in bright but indirect light. After a few weeks, roots will emerge, and a new plant will grow from the tip of the cutting.
Stem Cuttings
If you have a healthy stem of the Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides, you can also use it to propagate a new plant. Cut a segment of the stem and let it dry for a day or two. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil mix and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and the cutting in bright but indirect light. After a few weeks, roots will emerge from the cutting, and a new plant will grow from the tip. You can also remove the lower leaves and plant the stem in the soil to encourage more roots to grow.
Offsets or Pups
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides also produces offsets or pups around the base of mature plants. To propagate through this method, carefully separate the offset from the parent plant, making sure to keep some roots intact. Then, plant the offset in well-draining soil mix and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and the plant in bright but indirect light. After a few weeks, the plant will establish itself and start growing on its own.
Regardless of the propagation method you use, make sure to keep the new plants in a warm, humid environment and water moderately. Gradually increase their exposure to light as they grow and develop. With proper care, you can easily propagate Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides and enjoy their beauty in your garden or home.
Disease and Pest Management for Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides
Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is generally a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can still fall prey to certain issues that can cause damage or death if not properly managed.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is root rot. This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in wet environments and can cause the roots to rot and decay. To prevent root rot, it is important to make sure the soil is well-draining and not over-water the plant.
Another disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus that forms a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove the affected areas and improve air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests
One common pest that can affect Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is mealybugs. These small, white insects can be found on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant and can cause damage by sucking the sap from the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove the affected areas and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect this plant is spider mites. These pests are tiny and can be difficult to see, but they can cause damage by feeding on the plant’s leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to remove the affected areas and use a miticide.
Preventative Measures
The best way to manage pests and diseases in Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides is through preventative measures. This includes ensuring that the plant is growing in well-draining soil, providing adequate water and light, and keeping the plant clean by removing any dead or dying leaves or flowers.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests or disease can also help to catch any issues early on before they can spread and cause more damage. By implementing these preventative measures and quickly managing any issues that do arise, you can help to ensure the health and vitality of your Crassula tetragona L. subsp. acutifolia Lam. x C. ericoides Haw. subsp. ericoides plant.
