Have you noticed your succulents starting to grow tall and stretch out a bit? Insert the soil moisture meter or finger into the soil a few inches deep near the roots. Crassula is a genus of succulent plants containing about 200 accepted species, including the popular jade plant (Crassula ovata). You can also create indirect light if you’re not able to place your succulents in a location with enough natural indirect light. Typically, indoor light levels range from 50 FC (foot candles) to 500 FC or 538 lux to 5382 lux. It’s an especially popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts. The only major problem I saw was that the plants behind the crassula tetragona were stretched out or etiolated. Opens image gallery. Commercial cactus soil is an ideal place to start, but you can always alter the soil to suit your plant’s unique needs if necessary, by adding additional sand, gravel, perlite, pumice, or even bark. There are a few different methods of propagation you can use. Many Crassula s will stress beautifully to shades of red, purple, pink, orange, or yellow in response to more sunlight. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to place your phone where your plants are growing and press the button to start measuring. Moving your plants a few feet away from the window or even covering the window with a sheer curtain or shade can help cut down on the light your plants are exposed to. Crassula Tetragona succulents need strong light. To ensure that you’re watering a dry succulent, you need to make sure you check the soil before you water. When grown outdoors, C. tetragona requires filtered or partial sun. If you notice your plants developing discolored patches, ranging in color from tan to black, your succulents are getting too much light. Again, sunburn is permanent and cannot be reversed. Mild sunburn may be expected under extreme heat conditions. Image not available. Unless you happen to be repotting and catch it in its early stages, you usually don’t notice until the rot has moved up the plant’s stem. You should also be sure to quarantine any new plants for a few weeks before placing them with your existing succulent collection. You’ll also want to make sure that the soil is dry. I have had sunburn on some of my Seeds can be collected from your existing succulent collection, or you can buy them from a reputable seed vendor on the internet. Even if the fertilizer claims to not burn plants, it’s still worthwhile to carefully apply the product to the soil and avoid contact with the plant itself. The first method of determining how bright the areas of your home are is to examine the shadows of objects in the room. More than a few gardeners have been stumped when presented with the term ‘indirect sunlight’. When fertilizing your succulents, be careful not to splash any on the leaves or stems as it could result in a burn. If your jade plants develop yellow or … Crassula, the Jade plant, is particularly great to use for Bonsai, with its tree like form and ability to withstand considerable rough treatment. Crassula seeds do not need to be covered, so just sprinkle them over the surface of well-draining soil. This succulent is prized among collectors for its distinctive foliage and compact size. If you were to trace a shadow in indirect light, you might have difficulty determining where to draw your line. Make sure the stem is fully dried before placing though. In indirect light, the edges of shadows will appear to be softer and blurrier. For one, it has grown from 11 1/4″ tall to 16 1/2″ tall. Like other Crassula, C. tetragona is relatively easy to care for. It’s best to sow your succulent seeds in spring or early summer to give them the most growing time. As the plant grows, it will eventually produce tiny versions of itself around the base of the stem. Pallas Athena, you have spider mites too. Light meters are available in a range of prices to suit any budget. So, if you have a plant that requires indirect light, you’ll make sure you’re providing enough light to prevent etiolation, but not enough direct light that you risk sun burning your garden. X. Again, you’ll need to place the device in the area of your plants facing toward the light source NOT toward your plants. Drop us a line! If you choose to do so, look for a fertilizer or plant food specifically formulated for use with succulents. If you’d prefer a more accurate measurement, you may want to consider investing in a light meter. Both are simply units of measurement for the amount of light that falls on a given surface, such as your plants. It can survive at zone 10a-11b which is around -1.1°C (30°F). Although this plant can take full sun, any extreme weather conditions or extreme changes in weather such as a heatwave can cause sunburn or sun damage. Many will grow well in the same container for several years. If you have a succulent nursery near you, they may also carry Crassula seeds. No matter how much experience you have with succulent propagation, you should have some success with this plant. A place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Remember how this looks and progresses so you can protect your own plants. North facing windows will provide your plants with plenty of indirect light, but there may not be enough light for some species. Move over photo to zoom. Anything and everything about succulents, a.k.a. Table of Contents Sansevieria pinguicula... Table of Contents Euphorbia enopla AppearanceCultivarsCaring... Table of Contents Agave isthmensis AppearanceCultivarsAgave... Table of Contents Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’... Have a question or comment? Tarah Schwartz is a freelance writer living in Scottsdale, Arizona. Your plants are in a bright location, but they never receive any sunlight directly on their leaves or stems. Some shrivel. If your plant does become sunburned, there’s little you can do to repair the plant. As with most succulents, the most common problem gardeners have with their Crassula tetragona is overwatering. Succulent cuttings of 5+ stems, including different assorted crassula plants including campfire plant (Crassula Capitela), ogre ears (Crassula Ovata Gollum also known as jade gollum, fight plant and Shrek’s ears), string of buttons (Crassula Perforata) and miniature pine tree (Crassula Tetragona.) This may seem extreme, but it’s easier to treat just a few new plants for pests than your entire garden. Drop us a line! Crassula mesembryanthemoides is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. beautiful plants and I wish I had read However, it’s important to note that even if your succulent hasn’t yet outgrown its container, if it has been there for several years, it may have depleted the soil’s nutrients. Even if you don’t want them that often, it’s worth checking them out to make sure you don’t have any problems developing. For one, it has grown from 11 1/4″ tall to 16 1/2″ tall. For this method you should cut off part of an existing Crassula Tetragona with enough stem left to place 1 to 2 inches directly into the soil. Likewise, a succulent can suffer when exposed to too much sunlight. Well-draining soil that dries out quickly is preferred, so avoid any soil that has large quantities of water-retaining ingredients like clay and peat moss. Crassula tetragona This low-maintenance, low-water succulent looks like a miniature pine tree. Crassula multicava is particularly useful for dry shade and to cover unsightly spots. Some species of succulent are able to grow well with relatively low direct light and are best suited for dimmer areas of north-facing windows. How and When to Fertilize Succulents For Gorgeous Plant Grow. Did yours recover? "fat plants," welcome here! This is where that confusing phrase ‘bright indirect light’ comes into play. If the species of succulents and cacti in your collection prefer indirect light, it’s important that you provide them with exactly that. You also need to read the label carefully as many brands require the fertilizer to be diluted before applying. Leaves drop. Depending on the size of your plant, your stem cuttings can be quite large. It’s natural altitude ranges from 1200 to 2300 meters above sea level. If the moisture meter reads dry or if the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s safe to water. 384k members in the succulents community. Unlike etiolation, sunburn can happen quickly, so it’s important to monitor your plants anytime they’re exposed to direct sunlight. The texture of the leaves may also change from soft and smooth to rough and scarred. Once your succulent has stretched out, the only way to fix it is to behead it. After a few weeks, you should begin to see tiny roots forming at the base of the cutting. Again, indirect light is exactly what it sounds like. If you already know which one your plants need, you’ll also need to know how to provide it for them. There’s no point in choosing well-draining soil if you also choose a container without a drainage hole. While watering on a set schedule can be helpful in remembering to water your succulents, you’ll need to remember to adjust your watering schedule based on your climate and the weather to prevent your Crassula tetragona from getting too much or too little water. You may like: Crassula Tetragona. By this time, you can treat them just as you would a mature plant. Want to contribute to the site? There are a variety of apps available for both iPhone and Android users, and some are free while others cost a few dollars. Be sure to handle these tiny plants carefully to avoid damaging them. If your succulents are exposed to any direct sunlight, you need to watch for signs of sunburn and adjust accordingly. It does well in full to partial sun. It lost A LOT of leaves while it was inside last winter making me wonder if it needs a little more water than other Crassula species over the winter. You can also take several cuttings to help fill out a pot. Again, sunburn is permanent and cannot be reversed. Crassula Tetragona (Common Name – Miniature Pine Tree) 125mm Pot This will become more noticeable over time as the plant stretches toward the light source. When it comes to houseplants, the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum ) is a classic and with good reason.This easy-to-grow perennial suits even the beginner (or that friend who forgets about her plants from time to time). Old leaves are mostly affected, but newer leaves sometimes also. this article when I was a newbie! You want your soil and container to allow all excess moisture to drain away from the succulent’s root system to prevent root rot. Remember, you’re starting a plant from scratch, so don’t expect to have a mature C. tetragona any time soon. Picture Information. Crassula tetragona is not a frost-hardy plant, so it needs to be protected from freezing temperatures. Most low-light plants will not thrive below 25 FC or 269 lux. I've had this plant for a year and nothing new was introduced to it's environment. They are members of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) and are native to many parts of the globe, but cultivated varieties originate almost exclusively from species from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This is your plant’s reaction to unfavorable light conditions, and you’ll need to move it to a location with more light. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor. Once you’ve placed the offsets into their own containers, you can immediately begin treating them just as you would a mature Miniature Pine Trees. Size: 12"H x 6"W. Use: Landscape or Container. You can always invest in a grow light to give your plants a little extra boost in light levels. Unfortunately, once a plant has become etiolated, there’s no way to repair it without propagating the plant and starting over. dalorin Mar 22, 2020 5:30 PM CST. Young plants have papillose stems that become thick and woody as they age. The Complete Guide to Grow Lights for Succulents. Read Related Article: 21 Best Low-Light Indoor Succulents – Dead-Easy to Grow Inside. Photos, art, growing tips … If you’re a tech-savvy succulent lover, you can also download an app on your smartphone to help you determine how much light your plants are getting. connivens is generally found on the north side of hills in the shade of other small shrubs and trees. While it is technically possible to successfully grow a succulent in a container without a drainage hole, it’s usually discouraged as you have to be incredibly precise about your watering habits. Today I noticed spots on my crassula tetragona. However, they can fall victim to pest infestations, especially if proper plant hygiene guidelines aren’t followed. You’ll either need to accept your plant’s new markings as part of their unique charm or wait until the damaged leaves are replaced by new growth. This is to prevent any infection that could potentially enter the plant through its wounds once introduced to new soil. Unfortunately, etiolation is not reparable. Most succulents like Crassula tetragona can survive without fertilizer, but many gardeners find that they can improve their Miniature Pine Trees’ growth with an occasional dose of fertilizer. There are numerous small succulents that suggest much larger varieties, trees and shrubs. These measurements are meant to be used as a rough guideline. Hardiness: 40°F. The easiest way to propagate Crassula tetragona is by separating the offsets. Simply put, direct light is exactly what it sounds like. The needle-like leaves and shrubby appearance of Crassula tetragona has led to the nickname Miniature Pine Trees, but make no mistake, this is not a type of pine, it is indeed a succulent. This is a rare occurrence, but it’s worth taking the time to improve your cuttings’ chances of survival. In very strong summers we can protect it from the midday sun although sunburn has rarely been recorded. They have turned black and rotted away, probably from too much water at first then from sunburn. This plant typically blooms in the late spring or early summer. Table of Contents Edible Succulents1. This succulent can easily be kept indoors as a houseplant or grown outside if the climate is appropriate for outdoor succulent growth. Its natural habitat ranges from Riversdale to Qonce in South Africa. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you’re going to find a guide online to tell you the exact amount of light your plants need. 6 Edible Succulents – Best Parts You Can Eat Except The Fruit! Jade Plant Care Requirements (Crassula ovata) Scientific Name: Crassula ovata; Common Name: Jade plant, money plant, lucky plant. Crassula tetragona. 21 Best Low-Light Indoor Succulents – Dead-Easy to Grow Inside. We ship on Mondays USPS First Like other Crassula, C. tetragona is easy to propagate succulent. … When grown indoors, Crassula tetragona prefers bright light. In the wild, its habitat ranges from the Orange River in Namaqualand to the Kei River in the Eastern Cape. Not only do these ingredients promote proper drainage, but they also encourage airflow around the roots, which is essential to good succulent root health. Had suggestions for drainage, potting mix, sunburn, etc., but just one person suspected pests. Instead, look for large particles of gravel, coarse sand, and perlite. Very healthy succulent 2 3/4” pot Ships bare root Not cutting (Similar one shipped to one in picture) Crassula Watchchain tetragona connivens Perennial plant that blooms white flowers. This can be done with a soil moisture meter or just your finger. A light meter is a device that performs the same task as the app on your phone, just with a bit more scientific accuracy. If you look at the edges of a shadow in bright, direct light, you’ll see that they’re crisp and clear. Both plants can take up to 6 hours of sun a day, have similar growth habits and look interesting grouped together in the garden. Her life in the desert has inspired a passion for succulents and cacti. They will be happiest when provided plenty of bright, filtered sunlight. Don't Know How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats? Sublime Succulents may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This isn’t a necessary step, but it can hasten the rooting process. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. Now that you know the differences between direct and indirect light, you’ll need to know if your space is bright enough to grow healthy succulents. Rotting leaves or stems and excessive moisture are a recipe for a pest disaster, so be sure to keep your pots clean and allow the soil to dry out before watering. The most common cause of brown leaves on Crassula Tetragona is sunburn. Grow lights are an effective way to prevent etiolation and make sure your plant has enough light no matter where you place it indoors. You’ve already determined that your plants are getting indirect light, but now you need to know if it’s bright enough for your succulents to not just grow, but to thrive. Grow lights are available in a range of sizes and shapes to accommodate your indoor garden’s needs. Tarah Schwartz is a freelance writer living in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tips to grow and care for the Lady Finger Cactus. Crassula tetragona has a similar soil requirement as most other succulents. Most succulent experts recommend a soil mix of approximately 50% to 70% mineral grit. It is tender to frost. Despite the frequent claims of uninformed gardeners, doing so actually creates a “perched water table” which brings the water closer to the roots of your Crassula, rather than allowing it to drain away. Illumination For your Mammillaria Elongata to grow perfectly, it is ideal to be in full sun. In order to make sure your Crassula is getting enough light, you may need to supplement with a grow light. Whether you need a light for a single Crassula tetragona or for an entire shelf of succulents, there’s a grow light to suit your needs. In order to prevent a pest population boom, it’s important to check on your plants at least weekly, if not more frequently. The fainter or more unclear the edges are, the dimmer your light levels are. Plastic and glazed pots will not absorb any moisture, so if those are your preferred types of pots, you’ll need to plan your watering schedule accordingly. Allow the offsets to dry out for a few days to let any wounds callous before planting them in a succulent approved soil mix. This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. Foot candles are measured using the Imperial measuring system, while lux uses the metric system. They need water about once a month, or when the stalks look shriveled. Eventually, new growth will replace the burned areas anyway. No method is better than any other, but many gardeners eventually develop a favorite as they gain experience. 4-6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. It sports needle-like dark green leaves atop small trunk-like stems. Another plant that suffered are the Crassula Perforata (String of Buttons). PPP: 1 liner per 2" pot, 3 liners per gallon. Just be sure to choose healthy mature leaves to start with. You could trim away the burned areas or just allow your Crassula to grow as normal. Bonsai is not a hobby for impatient gardeners, but for those with enough patience, it’s a peaceful and rewarding way to spend your time. It’s crucial to make sure the soil is dry before watering again to prevent root rot. Root rot is a sneaky disease that isn’t usually obvious until it’s too late to save the plant. Fortunately, most of these pests are relatively easy to treat, though it can take time, especially with a large infestation. Prevention is always the best medicine in this case. Mouse over to Zoom-Click to enlarge. Sold Out - $ 0.00. Indirect light will also be available for part of the day in windows facing west, east, or south. What exactly does that mean? Easily recognized with its grasslike, arching leaves, the spider plant often has variegated green leaves with stripes of yellow or white. Before placing the Crassula cuttings in soil, you can dip them in rooting hormone powder if you’d like. Crassula prefer full sun to partial shade, however intense afternoon sun can burn foliage. You’ll want to keep the soil moist, but not wet, and keep the seeds out of direct sunlight. There are two known subspecies of Crassula tetragona. Once your meter is in position, you can press the button that begins measuring. Sticking your plants out indirect light, especially in the heat of the summer, is going to result in sunburn. As a succulent lover, you want to take the best care of your plants, but it can be difficult to give your plants the perfect environment when you don’t understand what they need. Remember, the damage of etiolation and sunburn are permanent, so you need to adjust your plants’ light levels as soon as possible if you notice signs of either. Crassula tetragona isn’t a fast-growing plant, so you won’t need to repot frequently. C. tetragona is only hardy to USDA Zone 10 or 30-degrees Fahrenheit. This is the distinguishing characteristic of these subspecies. Crassula tetragona seeds usually germinate best at temperatures of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Most quality light meters are going to cost you somewhere between $15 and $35. Repot whenever you believe your C. tetragona is ready but be sure to do so during the spring before the plant begins its season of active growth. Assessing the light levels in your home or outdoor space will help you determine the best place to grow your indirect light-loving succulents. Crassula tetragona. If you determine that your plants aren’t getting enough light, but you’re determined to grow species that prefer more light than your home can provide, there are ways to adapt. Though less common than the original variety, the two subspecies also make great additions to any succulent lover’s collection, especially if they enjoy bonsai. The most common pests to look out for with Crassula tetragona are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. If you’d rather not use rooting hormone, you can introduce the cuttings to well-draining soil after a few days of air drying. Table of Contents Sansevieria pinguicula... Table of Contents Euphorbia enopla AppearanceCultivarsCaring... Table of Contents Agave isthmensis AppearanceCultivarsAgave... Table of Contents Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’... Have a question or comment? The app will use your smartphone’s camera to take in the available light for measurement. Though some direct light is fine, the succulent should … Free shipping . This succulent tends to grow in a shrubby or almost tree-like fashion, though it can be easily trimmed to accommodate any preferences a gardener may have in terms of size and shape. Once you’ve chosen the right type of soil for your Crassula tetragona, you’ll need to make sure you have the right type of container. For more info Visit theGardenPages Aloe Vera Page… Crassula … Crassula Sarmentosa Variegata (Common name Showy Trailing Jade) 125mm Pot $ 9.95 Crassula Sarmentosa Variegata 150mm Pot $ 14.95 Not Available Online. In their native South African habitat, this species grows in … It begins as yellowing of leaves for no apparent reason. It’s also not uncommon for Crassula to develop diseases such as bacterial soft rot, black ring disease, and powdery mildew, so be sure to look for signs of these problems as well. Most pests have a rapid lifecycle, which means their population can explode in just a matter of weeks. That may sound dramatic but propagating the uppermost portion of your plant is really the only way to overcome the damage of etiolation. Dark brown or orange spots on the leaves is a sign of sunburn. Don't Know How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats? Keep scale and proportion in mind. I've been trying to determine what was wrong with this Crassula tetragona since May. Knowing the direction your windows face can help, but you’ll also need to know what differentiates indirect light from direct light. Sold Out - Free Notify me when this product is available: Crassula tetragona ("Miniature Pine Tree") Flower: white. One of my favorites for fairly gardens is Crassula tetragona, which looks like a miniature pine tree. Unfortunately, plants do not do well when they are exposed to too little or too much sunlight. I cannot see any bugs or powder of any sort. You might have even run into a care guide describing your succulent’s ideal light levels as ‘bright, indirect light’. These offsets, or pups, can be easily removed and repotted in their own containers. There are several smaller versions of Crassula that work well, and other similar plants like Elephants Food , with their rubbery stems and tiny leaves. If you see below-freezing temperatures in the forecast, you’ll need to bring the plant indoors so that it can grow near a sunny window or under a grow light until the weather warms up. South, east, or west-facing window should provide the succulent with adequate light. This will make your job easier and result in less damage to the roots. If you plan on growing your Crassula outdoors, you may also want to consider slowly increasing light levels rather than just sticking it outside in the sunlight. Terracotta pots absorb some moisture from the soil, which can be great in preventing overwatering, but it also means you’ll need to water more frequently in warm weather as the soil will dry out faster. Most Crassula s can be grown indoors if given enough light. With proper care, Crassula tetragona is not a plant that’s prone to many problems or diseases. Foliage Color: Blue-green. The Crassula tetragona, Miniature Pine Tree, has changed quite a lot since I brought it home from Wagler’s Greenhouse last September. Most species can be grown indoors if given a large south facing window. This article is a very informative Whether you’re just starting out or have been caring for succulents for years, you should be able to grow this succulent with few problems. It also grows in the middle shade and in hot and dry climates. Depending on the app you choose to download, you may be looking at measurements in either foot candles or lux. Crassula tetragona is a hardy succulent that is ideal for gardeners with any level of experience. However, if the soil still contains moisture, you’ll need to wait at least a couple of days before trying again. It’s also worth noting that putting a layer of rocks below the soil in the pot is not an effective way of promoting better drainage. Cool or humid weather may mean that you need to water your succulents less frequently, while hot and dry weather will mean more frequent water. If you notice your plants developing discolored patches, ranging in color from tan to black, your succulents are getting too much light. It happens to the best of us. Like etiolation, sunburn is mainly a cosmetic problem, but if the succulent is exposed to too much direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time, sunburn could be lethal. Mites aren't visible. Growing succulents from seeds is a hobby for the most patient of gardeners, but it can be a fun and rewarding project if you have the time to dedicate to it. The leaves themselves are a vibrant green and are well-spaced in pairs along the stems. Just remember, if you’re using a grow light, you’re also going to need to keep an eye on your plants for signs of burning, especially if you’re using a light with a reflective hood. 25+ Succulent Cuttings 25 varieties Sedum Echeveria Crassula Stonecrop . While you may be able to behead the plant and save part of it, most of the time the succulent will not survive at this point. The Crassula tetragona, Miniature Pine Tree, has changed quite a lot since I brought it home from Wagler’s Greenhouse last September. It is tender to frost. and a “must read” for the beginner! This subspecies naturally only exists in the area of Little and Great Karoo in South Africa. People mistake it for over-watering, poor drainage, sunburn, etc. If you notice your plant developing brown or black spots or patches on areas that are exposed to direct light, you’ll know it’s getting too much sun. how to treat Fungus Gnats infestations now! St Louis. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer can burn the leaves of the plants. This subspecies is far less common and can be distinguished by its prostrate growth and roots at the nodes. If your home has particularly low indirect light levels, you may want to consider growing low-light succulents, rather than those that prefer bright indirect light. Sign me up for new articles emailed directly to me! The darker the color, the more severe the burn. To take cuttings from Crassula tetragona, use a sharp pair of scissors or shears to snip a healthy stem or leaf. What is a succulent?Why succulents?Okay, I’m sold.[...]. Etiolation is when your plants become stretched out in their attempt to find more light. Grows pups on the side. If you live in Zone 10 or above, you should be able to grow your succulent outdoors year-round without worry. Aloe is famous for its healing properties.