Crassula hobbit care at home. Crassula - The Hobbit and Gollum an unusual type of money tree

Crassula (or Crassula) Hobbit is a variety developed from Crassula ovate, called the “money tree”. Let's consider what kind of plant this is, how to care for and propagate it, and what difficulties you may encounter.

Botanical description of the plant

This is a perennial succulent from the Crassula genus of the Crassulaceae family. It differs from Crassula ovate, on the basis of which it was obtained by crossing with Crassula lactiform, only in the shape of the leaves. It looks like a tree with unusual club-shaped leaves wrapped in a tube. It grows slowly and branches well, and is more compact in size than the money tree. Like many Crassula plants, the stems become woody and brown over time. In direct sunlight, the foliage takes on a crimson hue.

At home it blooms rarely, with white or pinkish flowers. At the same time, only old plants no younger than 10 years old bloom.

Comfortable conditions for growing at home

Lighting

Crassulas love good lighting and prefer diffused light. They are best grown on the east or west side. You can also place them on windows facing south, since these succulents are able to tolerate direct rays of the sun. Under their influence, Crassula Hobbit turns the ends of its leaf tubes purple.

Important! For uniform development of the Crassula Hobbit crown, it is recommended to turn different sides to the sun.

On northern windows the plant will stretch out and lose its decorative appearance. It would be better for him to organize lighting there, especially in winter.

Temperature

During the growing season, the best temperature regime for Hobbit Crassula will be +20...+25°C. In winter, it is recommended to organize a period of rest with a decrease in temperatures to +8...+10°C. This mode can be achieved on an insulated balcony. Crassula can tolerate temperatures down to -2°C, but it will be better if the temperature in winter does not fall below +6°C.

If the plant remains in a heated room, it should be placed away from the radiator. If it is not possible to lower the temperature in winter, the stems of the crassula may stretch and lose leaves.

Air humidity

Crassula hobbit tolerates dry air well, and there is no need to spray it. Sometimes it is recommended to wipe the leaves from dust with a damp cloth.

Did you know?The Crassula hobbit variety was bred in the 70s of the 20th century, when John Tolkien’s book “The Lord of the Rings” was published and gained popularity, so the new variety was named after the name of the fictional race of the main character.

Home care

Crassula the hobbit is unpretentious, but this does not mean that you can forget about it and not pay attention to it. Caring for this indoor plant has its own characteristics and rules that must be followed.

Watering

The plant is drought-resistant and does not like waterlogged soil, like all succulents. It is able to retain moisture in the foliage, which is the best indicator of the need for watering. With a lack of moisture, the leaves become limp and soft.

Water Crassula moderately when the top of the soil dries. In hot weather, two waterings per week will be enough, and in winter, at low temperatures, a little watering 1-2 times a month is enough. For irrigation, take water at room temperature, which has been left for several days. Soft rain or melt water, heated to the temperature of the room where Crassula grows, works well.

Did you know? You can soften the water by freezing it 2/3 in the freezer or in winter on the balcony at sub-zero temperatures. Then the unfrozen liquid must be drained by punching a hole in the ice, and the ice itself must be brought into the room to melt. It is useful to use such water not only for watering Crassula, but also for drinking.

Top dressing

Crassula hobbit is fed throughout the growing season: from March to October. From the beginning of spring and throughout the summer, it is fed 2 times a month, and when it starts to get colder in September, feeding is reduced to once a month. From October until the onset of a new period of activity, the plant stops fertilizing. An exception is made only if the plant begins to throw out flower stalks. In this case, it is fed once a month.

For fertilizing, it is most convenient to use ready-made liquid fertilizers for succulents. A plant that was recently planted in nutritious soil, grows well and has thick leaves, may not need to be fertilized for some period. It will take all the necessary substances from the soil, and it is not advisable to overfeed it.

Important!Sometimes a succulent can be fertilized with ash, since it containsPhosphorus and potassium necessary for the plant are found. To do this, the ash is diluted in water for irrigation or dug into the soil 2 cm deep.

Trimming

The plant itself grows perfectly into bonsai without human intervention. There is no need to prune this plant.

If the branches begin to appear close to the ground and the Crassula takes on the appearance of a bush, then to give it the appearance of a tree, the buds of low-growing branches are plucked out until the central stem looks like a trunk. When the plant grows to required height, you need to pinch the top.

Transfer

Crassula hobbit is replanted when the roots have taken over the entire space of the pot and a larger container is needed. This usually happens once every 3 years, in the spring. The transplant is carried out using the transshipment method. A pot is selected with a diameter approximately equal to the size of the crown.

Shallow, wide containers such as bowls are suitable for planting Crassula. It is best if they are made of weight-bearing ceramics. Be sure to check for drainage holes. It is also necessary to stock up on drainage (crushed stone, expanded clay, broken brick) and well-permeable soil for planting. Crassulas do not tolerate stagnant water.

You can buy ready-made soil for cacti and succulents, or you can prepare it yourself. For example, prepare the following mixture: mix turf, peat, leaf soil and sand in a ratio of 2:2:2:1. It will be good to add a little charcoal to this mixture.

Drainage is poured into the pot, part ready soil and place the transplanted Crassula together with a lump of earth, trying not to damage the fragile roots. Then the flower is covered with the remaining soil mixture. The root collar should be at the same level as before transplantation. Crassula hobbit is kept away from the sun for some time, until it takes root, and is not watered, only lightly moistening the soil with a sprayer.

Propagation by cuttings

Crassula hobbit is propagated mainly by cuttings. For this, both leaf and stem cuttings are used. The cutting process itself is best carried out during the active period of the plant’s life - in spring or summer. For rooting, take leaves or cut cuttings 6–10 cm long. The preparations for planting are slightly dried for several days. Then they are planted in a container with prepared soil.

Soil for planting can be purchased at garden store, or you can cook it yourself. To do this, mix 2 parts leaf soil, 1 part turf soil and 1 part purified sand. The rooting process can also be carried out in water in which activated carbon powder is stirred for disinfection purposes. After the root system appears, young plants are planted in small containers with a diameter of 5–6 cm.

Video: Cuttings of Hobbit Crassula

Propagation can also be carried out using purchased seed material, but this method is not as effective as cuttings and takes longer. At home, trying to get seeds is impractical, since the plant rarely blooms and is a hybrid.

Possible difficulties during cultivation

Crassula hobbit is a fairly disease-resistant houseplant. It allows some deviations in temperature and from the recommended illumination, and normally tolerates the lack of moisture and fertilizers. It should be noted that this crop does not tolerate waterlogging or lack of drainage, and stagnation of moisture in the soil can provoke many fungal diseases.

Important! Overwatering often causes rot, which affects the roots, and then the leaves and stem of the plant. When it appears, a whitish-pink coating appears on the root collar. If the stem is soft, then the plant cannot be saved.

If measures are taken in a timely manner, Crassula can be helped. To do this, transplant into a new sterile soil. The old soil is carefully removed from the root system, and the rotten roots are removed. Prevention of the disease is minimal watering and good drainage.

You may also encounter an issue like leaf fall.

The following factors can lead to this phenomenon:

To solve this problem, you need to eliminate unfavorable factors - replace the soil in case of waterlogging and excessive fertilizing, and in case of heat, move the flower to a cooler place. If all the leaves have fallen, then it is better to renew the flower - cut off the top and root it.

Lack of color is common in Hobbit Crassula. She pleases with her color extremely rarely and only in adulthood. In order to still wait for color, you should follow all the recommendations for caring for crassula, especially in terms of lighting, and also be sure to provide a rest period in winter.

Did you know? Crassula are useful plants- they enrich the air with substances that free it from germs. The leaves of the plant have a bactericidal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect, so they are recommended for use against herpes, insect bites or wounds, butonly externally, becauseThis succulent accumulates arsenic.

There is also a small chance of insect pests. This is, first of all, a scale insect, spider mite, mealybugs and aphids. To deal with them, the plant is cleaned with a sponge soaked in soapy water. In case of severe infection, insecticides are used (Aktofit, Aktara).

Crassula hobbit is a hybrid of Crassula ovate ( money tree) and differs from it mainly in the shape of the leaves. This unpretentious plant does not require much time, like all Crassulas, but it must be properly watered and create optimal living conditions.

Hobbit Crassula (Crassula ovata Hobbit) is the most common and interesting Crassula oval variety. Crassula "Hobbit", a decorative succulent that grows to considerable size. The highly branched crown and rough stem make the flower ideal for bonsai-style formation. Characteristic of the variety are fleshy leaves of various shapes, most often sharp, tubularly wrapped. The leaves resemble the ears of Shrek, or Tolkien's Hobbit, which is where the name of the plant comes from. Young specimens often have leaves that are flat or slightly curled. It grows quite slowly, usually only a few centimeters during the year. With proper care it can live a long time. Old specimens can bloom beautiful white or pink flowers. At home, flowering is extremely rare.

Growing

The plant feels better in a bright and warm place. Loves the sun, but the heat and burning rays of summer can cause yellowing and wrinkling of the leaves. Tolerates dry air well and does not require spraying. It grows well on sandy-clayey soil; the soil should be permeable; for better drainage, the bottom of the pot is filled with expanded clay. IN summer time The plant can be placed on the balcony or in the garden, but it is worth providing protection from rain. In winter, it is better to move it to a cool place and reduce watering so that the fat plant goes into a dormant state, otherwise it may wither and lose leaves.

Care

Crassula "Hobbit", like other representatives of the Crassula genus, is easy to grow. In the warm season, it requires moderate watering. Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil dries well. From spring to autumn, fertilize once a month with fertilizer intended for cacti. Replant if necessary when the roots no longer fit in the pot. It is better to replant in spring or summer. Large and highly branched specimens should be planted in heavy, stable pots to protect the plants from tipping over.

Reproduction

Crassula "Hobbit" reproduces with great ease through shoots and cut leaves. It is better to take cuttings in spring or summer. The pruning area should dry out; after a few days, the plant fragments are placed in water or a peat mixture. Crassulas quickly produce roots; fallen leaves often take root in the soil themselves.

Named after the heroes of Tolkien's works, Crassula Hobbit is the most common and original variety of Crassula oval. Externally, the plant looks like a coral reef - such exoticism will certainly decorate any interior. At the same time, it is not capricious in content and does not impose complex care requirements, and therefore is loved by flower growers in many countries.

Origin and botanical description of the plant

Popular names for the Crassula succulent plant are money tree or crassula. Crassula ovata Hobbit is a variety of oval or ovoid Crassula from the Crassula family. The hybrid variety was bred in the 70s of the last century by American breeders based on Crassula ovata and Lactea.

The birthplace of the culture is the rocky and waterless highlands of the planet's Southern Hemisphere. The succulent plant has “learned” to store water in the thick pulp of its leaves and shoots.

Visually, the Hobbit crassula bush resembles an ordinary oval crassula. Young plants are bushes with succulent shoots; in adult plants, both trunks and branches become lignified. It can be grown as a tree or shrub; if necessary, it can be shaped into a bonsai style. Under natural conditions, it reaches a height of just under two meters; indoor specimens grow to a maximum of 80 cm.

The shape of the leaves is either completely fused, elongated, or has a funnel-shaped expansion at the top. After the release of the cartoon about Shrek, the plant received the name “Shrek ears.” Their length is up to 4 cm.

Crassula ovata Hobbit leaf color - different shades green, often with a reddish coating at their ends. In some species, when exposed to the sun for a long time, the color of the foliage changes from green to purple.

At home, flowering is extremely rare, but with proper care it can happen with fairly “old” perennial plants. The flowers collected in inflorescences are small, pinkish or white. In general, Hobbit Crassulas “live” for a long time - sometimes more than two decades.

Necessary conditions for cultivation

The plant is usually without pruning and takes on its original, “bonsai” shape. The growth rate is average.

The unpretentiousness of fat women, including the Hobbit, is widely known. However, in order for the plant to please with its healthy appearance and lush greenery, some simple rules care must be observed.

Location and lighting

Air humidity

This factor does not play a big role for the plant. Crassula Hobbit tolerates both summer heat and dry indoor air in winter. She suffers only from the dust that accumulates on the leaves. They need to be wiped periodically with a damp cloth or sponge.

In summer, the flower will be happy to be sprayed with water at room temperature. After this, the pot with Crassula should be shaken lightly so that the water droplets do not stagnate in the axils of the leaves, and the wet plant should not be placed in the sun so that the water droplets do not serve as lenses for the sun’s rays and cause burns.

Soil and pot requirements

Crassula Hobbit needs loose, well-drained soil, but not too nutritious. You can prepare your own soil mixture from equal parts of leaf and turf soil, coarse-grained, pre-roasted or steamed sand, a small amount of crushed brick for additional drainage and crushed charcoal as a preventative against rotting of the root system.

The best option is to purchase a soil mixture for cacti and succulents in a specialized store.

A pot for the Hobbit Crassula needs to be wide, flat, and small in height, since the root of the tree grows superficially and it will be most comfortable in a container of this shape. The diameter of the pot is not less than the diameter of the crown, but not too large - in an overly spacious pot the Crassula will grow slowly.

The material does not play a special role, but since the flower is distinguished by its exquisite decorativeness, they try to choose beautiful ceramic or clay pots and bonsai pots for it (moreover, the container for an adult tree should be wide and heavy enough to hold the overgrown crown).

Mandatory requirement for the Hobbit Crassula pot - the presence of drainage holes (as well as good drainage as the bottom layer).

Features of care

At home, caring for the Hobbit crassula consists of observing the watering and temperature regime, timely application of fertilizers and regular inspections for the appearance of harmful insects or the onset of diseases.

In summer, like all Crassula, Crassula ovata Hobbit feels good at temperatures of 20-25 °C. In winter, during the dormant period, the plant needs coolness - 12-15 °C. At the same time, the fat plant experiences a short “exit” of temperature beyond the comfortable limits, but a long stay in such conditions leads to a painful state and death of the flower.

Watering requirement

Native to arid regions of the world, Crassula has adapted to drought by storing water in its leaves. In summer it is watered no more than a couple of times a month. Before the next watering, check the soil moisture - it should dry out by half the layer. If the soil takes a long time to dry out, you should check the drainage: it may cake or clog the drainage holes in the pot. Constant soil moisture is fraught with the development of rot and mold.

Starting from mid-autumn and including the first week of spring, the plant is watered no more than once a month. A slight decrease in leaf turgor indicates that the tree needs water.

For irrigation, water is left to settle; if possible, filtered water is used. Definitely at room temperature or lukewarm.

To determine the amount of water, an hour after watering, check the container under the pot: if there is no water in it, add a little more. If there is, be sure to drain the excess.

Feeding

During the active growing season, the plant needs feeding twice a month. Special fertilizer for cacti and succulents is diluted in water for irrigation. In autumn and winter, Crassula is not stimulated with fertilizing in order to avoid disruption of the biological rhythms of the flower.

Pests and diseases

The Hobbit lump, like other members of its family, is resistant to disease and is rarely damaged by pests. The diseased state of the tree is usually caused by improper care behind him.

Another “lover” of succulent Crassula leaves is the mealybug, which leaves behind a slightly sticky cotton wool-like trail.

Followers traditional methods can treat all leaves, trunks and branches with a soap solution until the “aggressors” completely disappear. As a radical measure, insecticides such as Fitoverma and Aktellika are used. The number of treatments and the concentration of the solution are done according to the instructions on the package. It is optimal to first apply the first method, and then the second.

Reproduction methods

Crassula ovata Hobbit reproduces easily and variably - by cuttings, leaves, dividing the bush, shoots with aerial roots and seeds:

• propagation by seeds against the background of such a large number simple options- a labor-intensive and lengthy process. At home, Crassula Hobbit blooms extremely rarely, and it is very difficult to obtain seeds from it, but you can buy them. Then you should lay them out on a moistened substrate, lightly sprinkle them with soil and create greenhouse conditions by covering them with film. After several leaves appear, the seedlings are transplanted into separate small pots;
• The simplest and most effective method of propagation is using cuttings about 10 cm long. They are removed from lower leaves and slightly wither in the shade until the stalks of the removed leaves fall off, after which they are placed in water. It is regularly replaced with fresh one, but crushed coal is added to prevent rotting. As soon as the roots appear, you can plant the cuttings in individual small containers. The light regime is maintained as usual, but young Crassulas are given daily watering;
• Leaves that have fallen from a bush often take root on their own; it is enough to leave them on the soil. But the process of rooting and formation of children is slower than with cuttings.

Timing and technology of transplantation

Young specimens of Crassula Hobbit are replanted annually in the spring. Replace the soil and select a suitable pot with a diameter 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. Plants older than three years - once every three years. Crassulas of “respectable” age are even rarer, sometimes instead of transplanting they only replace upper layer soil.

During each procedure, the drainage (expanded clay or pebbles) is washed well and the soil is replaced. If there is a suspicion of rotting of the roots, they are carefully inspected and, if necessary, the damaged ones are cut off. The sections are dusted with ash. In general, if possible root system they try not to disturb and move the tree to a new place of residence using the transshipment method.

The fat plant reacts painfully to transplantation and may shed its leaves. After a couple of weeks of adaptation, she will recover.

Possible difficulties during cultivation

They usually occur when plant care rules are violated:

• if even after watering the leaves remain soft long time- most likely, the flower suffers from overflow. It is removed from the soil, the roots are examined, the rotten ones are cut off, and washed with water. Replant into a new pot and substrate, fertilize with a solution of carbendazim. Leave in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight, water only after recovery;
• leaf falling can be either a natural process (the money tree changes its leaves every two years), or a consequence of waterlogging of the soil or too long a drought, as well as watering with cold water;
• the reasons for the cessation of growth may be a pot that is too small or an attack by pests;
• a tree can constantly fall due to an incorrectly selected container when the root system does not grow deeper. To make the pot more stable, sprinkle the top soil with a layer of small pebbles;
• brown, white, brown spots on the leaves are a sign of the development of a fungal disease. Treatment is carried out with fungicides, following the instructions included with the drug. Red-brown, yellowish - the result of the “work” of scale insects. They are removed manually with a cotton swab dipped in insecticide, and then the entire tree is treated by spraying with the same preparation.

The amazing, stylish, attention-grabbing and unpretentious Crassula Hobbit will delight the eye for many years, you just need to treat it with attention and follow simple care rules.

Plant Crassula (lat. Crassula), or Crassula is a representative of the genus of succulent plants of the Crassulaceae family, which according to various sources includes from 300 to 500 species. More than two hundred of them grow in South Africa, many in tropical Africa and Madagascar, some species are found in the south of the Arabian Peninsula - Crassulas are distributed mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. The name of the genus comes from the word "crassus", translated meaning "thick", which in most cases is the fleshy structure of the leaves of many members of the genus. In indoor floriculture, Crassula flowers are known as “money tree” or “tree of happiness,” although it would be correct to call this species Crassula purslane. There are other representatives of Crassula in home floriculture, but first things first.

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Planting and caring for crassula

• Bloom: the plant is grown as an ornamental foliage plant.
• Lighting: bright sunlight, bright diffused light or partial shade (southern, eastern and southwestern window sills).
• Temperature: in summer – usual for residential premises, in winter – 10-15 ˚C.
• Watering: after the substrate has dried to a depth of 2-3 cm.
• Air humidity: doesn't matter.
• Feeding: during the period of active growth, once a month with a fertilizer solution for cacti and succulents. In autumn and winter, fertilizing is not applied.
• Rest period: not clearly expressed, but rest in winter is desirable.
• Transfer: at least once every two years, in the spring, at the very beginning of active growth.
• Reproduction: cuttings, less often seeds.
• Pests: mealy and root scale insects, scale insects, spider mites.
• Diseases: gray mold, root rot, root rot, late blight.
• Properties: releases substances into the air that have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial effects. The juice of the plant is used in folk medicine externally in the same cases and with the same result as aloe juice, but the juice cannot be taken internally, since it contains arsenic.

Read more about growing Crassula below.

Crassula flower - description

Both in nature and in culture, among crassulas there are tree-like shrubs, aquatic and even herbaceous plants, there are giants and tiny succulents, but one thing unites them common feature: Their leaves are arranged crosswise on the stem opposite each other. The Crassula succulent at home, of course, does not reach the same size as in nature, because the indoor Crassula plant is limited by space, the amount of soil, and other conditions necessary for intensive growth, but, nevertheless, the home Crassula gradually grows over time turns into a tree with a thick stem. The leaves are simple, entire, and in some species ciliated. The Crassula tree blooms with white, yellow, bluish or red flowers, collected in terminal or lateral umbellate-paniculate or racemose inflorescences, but at home, a blooming Crassula is a rare sight. The Crassula flower has gained popularity due to its hardiness, unpretentiousness and ease of care.

Caring for Crassula at home

How to care for Crassula

Most Crassula will not be harmed by direct sunlight, so you can easily place the pot with the plant on a south-facing window, although the best place for Crassula is the window sill of a window facing southwest or east. Lack of light negatively affects the decorative appearance of Crassula - the shoots become elongated and the leaves fall off. If you have the opportunity to keep Crassula outdoors in the summer - on a balcony or terrace - this will benefit the plant.

Crassulas are heat-loving, so they tolerate the summer heat normally, and in winter they do not suffer from proximity to working heaters as much as other plants, at the same time they feel great in winter and in cool rooms at a temperature of 10-15 ºC. Low air humidity is also not a problem for Crassula.

In fact, constant care for Crassula only includes not very frequent watering of the plant, washing the leaves and fertilizing. How to water Crassula, which, as has already been mentioned more than once, is a succulent? How often should I do this? In summer, moisten the plant only after the top layer of soil has dried; in winter, let the soil dry 2-3 cm deep. Crassula is much more afraid of waterlogging than drought, so it will calmly tolerate your departure on summer vacation for 3-4 weeks.

Crassula is fertilized in the spring and summer once a month with liquid fertilizer for succulents and cacti; in autumn and winter the plant does not need feeding.

Crassula formation

The formation of a tree must begin when the plant is still young, since when an already mature tree is formed, stumps remain at the site where the leaves are removed and the shoots are cut off, which affects the decorative quality of the Crassula. The first step is to choose the right pot for the plant: the Crassula root in a too large vessel tends to go deeper, and the Crassula itself tends upward, causing the trunk to stretch out, becoming weak and thin, so the pot for Crassula needs to be small and, most importantly, shallow.

As for the composition of the soil, the soil for Crassula should contain three parts of turf soil, one part each of humus soil, leaf soil, sand and fine gravel or brick chips. When the Crassula reaches a height of 15 cm, pinch off the two smallest top leaves - branching should begin at this point, that is, instead of two, two pairs of leaves should appear. As the Crassula grows, remove the top leaves in places where you think the shoots should branch - this will form the crown of your money tree.

Crassula transplant

Crassula is replanted as needed, when the roots fill the entire pot, not necessarily annually, but if you want to see Crassula bloom, then replant it at least once every two years. It is better to do this in the spring, at the beginning of active growth.

How should Crassula be replanted? Take the pot a little bigger size than the previous one, place a decent layer of drainage material in it - expanded clay or crushed shards, then transfer the Crassula from the old pot to a new one with a lump of earth and add as much fresh substrate as needed to fill the voids. If the Crassula root has become too long, shorten it before replanting to fit in the new pot. If you want to maintain the compact size of Crassula, try to avoid replanting the plant altogether, annually replacing only the top layer of substrate in the pot.

Properties of Crassula

Crassula is the guardian of your health: it releases substances into the air that have strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. In addition, the juice of Crassula leaves, like aloe juice, is used in folk medicine in the form of lotions to treat herpes, bee and wasp stings, as well as for bruises, cuts and abscesses; as a rinse for the treatment of sore throat and gum inflammation; as a rub at night for arthritis. However, it should be remembered that Crassula juice should not be taken orally, since it contains arsenic in high concentrations.

It is believed that Crassula brings good luck in business and prosperity to the home, which is why, and also because of its ease of care, Crassula can often be seen not only in apartments, but also in the offices of trading companies and stores.

Home Crassula - reproduction

Propagation of Crassula by seeds

Crassula seeds are sown in wide bowls with soil of the following composition: leaf soil - 1 part, sand 0.5 parts. The bowls are covered with glass, which is removed daily to remove condensation and ventilate the crops. Seeds germinate in two weeks. Slightly grown seedlings dive at a distance of 1 cm from each other into a container with soil from one part of leaf soil and half of sand and light turf soil. Keep picked seedlings under bright diffused light.

Strengthened and grown crassulas are planted in pots 5-7 cm in diameter in soil consisting of leaf, turf soil and sand in equal parts, and are kept for the first time until they take root, at a temperature of 16-18 ºC, and then transferred to permanent place.

Propagation of Crassula by cuttings

If you are thinking about how best to propagate Crassula, then, of course, the method of propagation by cuttings is both more reliable and simpler than seed propagation. How to root Crassula and which parts of the plant are suitable for cuttings? Both stem segments and leaves are suitable for this method of propagation. A large shoot or large leaf is cut off sharp knife After treating the cut with crushed coal, it is dried for two to three days and planted for rooting in a mixture of sand and leaf soil. You can root cuttings in water with the addition of charcoal.

When the cuttings have roots, they are planted in pots 5-7 cm in diameter in soil made of leaf, turf soil and sand in equal proportions, placed in a permanent place and cared for as an adult plant.

Crassula pests and diseases

The worst thing for Crassula is excess moisture, which can cause rotting of the roots and even the base of the trunk, because Crassula is one of those flowers that it is better to forget to water than to water twice. Drafts also pose a danger to Crassula - the plant gets cold, its leaves dry out and fall off.

Of the insects, mealybugs can cause harm to Crassula - they are removed from the leaves with a cotton swab soaked in medical alcohol. Sometimes scale insects appear on the plant, in which case you will have to treat the Crassula with Actellik. If you do not water the plant for a long time, spider mites can settle on it - you will recognize their presence by the light, thin web that appears on the leaves of the Crassula. This nuisance is eliminated by treating the plant crown with the same Actellik or Fitoverm.

Types and varieties of Crassula

There are so many species of Crassula that it is impossible to talk about them all in one article without causing fatigue in the reader, so we will introduce you to those that are most often in demand in culture. So, representatives of the tree-like Crassula, which is commonly called the “money tree”:

Crassula ovata

It is also ovoid - the most common cultivated species, native to southwest Africa. Under natural conditions, this Crassula reaches a height of three meters, but in an ordinary apartment it grows no higher than one and a half meters. Its leaves are shiny, oval, silver-gray or green. This species produces many shoots and is distinguished by rapid growth. White or pink small flowers collected in apical umbrella-shaped inflorescences. This species is the most shade-tolerant, which is important for growing indoors. Crassula ovalus has become the basis for the development of many varieties that even amateurs grow with pleasure and ease. Among them:

• Crassula Minor is a compact form of Crassula oval, especially the “Crosby’s compact” variety, the reddish leaves of which are no longer than one and a half and no wider than one centimeter. An excellent plant for a mini garden;
• Crassula Hobbit and Crassula Gollum - two very similar American hybrids of Crassula oval and Crassula milka with the original, as if with an outward shape of leaves, fused from the middle to the base - in the Hobbit and with leaves rolled into a tube and expanding funnel-shaped towards the ends in Gollum;
• Crassula Sunset is a tricolor cultivar with white (or yellow) stripes running along its green leaves, and the edges are edged with a red border.

Crassula arborescens

Similar to Crassula, it has an oval appearance with bare branches and trunk, round obovate fleshy flat leaves from 3.5 to 7 cm long, light gray with a bluish tint and with a red border at the edges. Pale pink and white flowers are collected in panicles, although Crassula tree rarely blooms at home. Unlike Crassula oval, it does not tolerate shadows at all - it needs bright light. The following varieties of Crassula arborescens have been cultivated:

• Crassula undulatifolia - the leaves of this variety are narrow, flat, silver-blue in color with a red tip. There is a variegated form;
• Crassula curly with large wavy leaves.

Crassula portulacea

It is silvery - very similar to Crassula oval and tree-like, but much smaller in size.

Of the creeping crassulas in culture, the most popular are:

Crassula lycopodioides

Or mossy (Crassula muscosa) - a compact shrub plant up to 25 cm tall with tetrahedral fleshy creeping shoots with curled tops. The characteristic structure and arrangement of the leaves makes this Crassula look like a moss. The species is undemanding, tolerates shade well, and in bright light the leaf scales acquire a red tint.

Crassula pseudolycopodioides

It has more curved shoots, and the leaves are not so tightly pressed to the stem. This variety has forms with yellow, silver and variegated leaves.

Crassula lactea, or milky (Crassula lactea)

Large hanging plant with shoots reaching a length of 30 cm, gray-green rounded leaves, pointed at the ends, 3-4 cm long and 2-3 cm wide.

Crassula picturata

A highly decorative plant with branching, lodging shoots and leaves with original colors - numerous red dots on the green surface, which look purple on the underside of the leaf. Along the edge of the leaf there are transparent cilia.

In addition to these species, Crassula Cooper and tetrahedral are grown in cultivation from creeping ones.

Of the columnar crassulas, the most popular in home floriculture are:

Crassula perforata, or perforated (Crassula perforata)

A medium-sized plant with diamond-shaped leaves that cover the stems as if they were strung on it. The color of the leaves is light green with a bluish bloom, along the edge of the leaf there is a red cartilaginous border.

, although it would be more correct to call this hybrid of Crassula pyramidalis and Crassula perfoliata “Buddha’s Temple”. This plant looks like columns of tightly pressed, dark green triangular leaves strung on a stem. When the “column” reaches 15 cm in height, it can fall on its side under its own weight. This cultivar blooms with red flowers in short apical inflorescences.

Also in home floriculture, crassulas are grown marginal (or bordered), spatulate, rocky, round, scion, rosette, crescent-shaped, grouped, pierced-leaved, woolly, Schmidt and others. Sometimes in flower shop You can see a plant on sale called “Crassula mix”. You should know that this is not the name of the variety or form, but the marking of the batch of Crassula, meaning that it included different types and varieties.

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Crassula ovata is the main species of the Crassula family. Its main types include the Hobbit and Gollum. Both plants produce thick leaves that look very much like coins. It is for this similarity that the Crassula was nicknamed the money tree. There are more than 300 varieties of this succulent.

Crassula ovata Gollum and Hobbit were bred by American breeders in the 70s of the last century. It was at this time that a book was published that instantly became a bestseller, The Lord of the Rings. Unusual varieties Crassulas were named after the characters in the book.

The main differences between the varieties are in the shape of the leaf plates. The Hobbit's leaves are inverted and fused from the base to the middle. Gollum's are tubular with a peculiar extension at the end.

Video “How to plant and grow Crassula”

Video about how to properly plant and grow Crassula, about leaf propagation.

Crassula ovata The Hobbit

This variety is very popular, bred from Crassula oval. The thick leaves of this plant remind some of the ears of the cartoon character Shrek. The color can change: if the fat woman is in bright sun, then its bright emerald color changes to crimson.

The tree looks compact and takes on a bizarre shape when it grows naturally - you will have a ready-made bonsai. On the reverse side, the leaves have a crimson tint, so they attract attention not only with their shape, but also with their color.

Crassula ovata Gollum

Crassula ovata Gollum differs from its “relative” in the shape of its leaves. The fleshy tube leaves have cup-shaped extensions at the ends with a purple rim. Her growth rate is slower. The plant independently forms an intricate crown. The plant grows up to 0.5 meters in height.

Both types of Crassula are very popular among interior designers. They are unpretentious in care, so the microclimate necessary for healthy growth can be created even in the office, which they will certainly decorate with their presence.

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Growing

The plant feels better in a bright and warm place. Loves the sun, but the heat and burning rays of summer can cause yellowing and wrinkling of the leaves.

Tolerates dry air well and does not require spraying. It grows well on sandy-clayey soil; the soil should be permeable; for better drainage, the bottom of the pot is filled with expanded clay. In summer, the plant can be placed on the balcony or in the garden, but it is worth providing protection from rain. In winter, it is better to move it to a cool place and reduce watering so that the fat plant goes into a dormant state, otherwise it may wither and lose leaves.

Care

Crassula "Hobbit", like other representatives of the Crassula genus, is easy to grow. In the warm season, it requires moderate watering. Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil dries well. From spring to autumn, fertilize once a month with fertilizer intended for cacti. Replant if necessary when the roots no longer fit in the pot. It is better to replant in spring or summer. Large and highly branched specimens should be planted in heavy, stable pots to protect the plants from tipping over.

Reproduction

Crassula "Hobbit" reproduces with great ease through shoots and cut leaves. It is better to take cuttings in spring or summer. The pruning area should dry out; after a few days, the plant fragments are placed in water or a peat mixture. Crassulas quickly produce roots; fallen leaves often take root in the soil themselves.

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Criteria for choosing a fat woman when purchasing

When buying a flower, you should pay attention to the color and condition of the foliage - it should be fleshy, thick, emerald green (darker or lighter shade). If the central part of the leaf has a red tint, this indicates that the plant has been in direct sunlight for too long.

Choosing a place for indoor cultivation of Crassula

In the room best place for a money tree - windows facing east or west. The leaves of the fat plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise the foliage will change its color to red and begin to wither and fall off. Also Crassula can shed its leaves if there is not enough fresh air in the room.

In the summer, this flower can be taken to the balcony, where there is enough fresh air, warmth and enough sunlight. And in winter it is better to move it to a window facing south.

During the spring-summer season, the temperature in the room should be about 24 - 25⸰С. And in summer, the plant feels best outside - on a loggia, veranda or balcony.

In the autumn-winter period, the optimal temperature is 12-14 degrees and even lower (but not lower than 4-5 degrees). Some gardeners recklessly leave the money tree to overwinter at a temperature of 20-22 degrees, but in this case the plant may begin to lose its foliage.

Under no circumstances should Crassula be placed near heating devices in winter.

Crassula propagation

Crassula can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, growing from leaves and dividing bushes.

Cuttings

When propagating Crassula by cuttings, they must first be placed in water for a while so that they produce roots. To make roots appear faster, you need to add charcoal to the water. After Crassula produces roots, it can be transplanted into pots with a diameter of 6 cm. You can compose the soil for planting yourself, taking leaf soil, turf and river sand in equal proportions. Planted plants are placed on sunny place, the room temperature should be about 17 degrees. Water young plants once a day. This method of propagating Crassula is the simplest; it is used by most gardeners.

Seeds

Crassula is propagated by seeds much less often than by cuttings. since this method is less popular among lovers of indoor plants. The seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil in containers, lightly sprinkled with soil, moistened and covered with glass. Soil mixture For planting seeds, prepare the same method as for planting cuttings. After the seedlings sprout, they are cared for in the same way as growing cuttings.

Gallery: Crassula (25 photos)

Leaf

This method is the most difficult, because most of the leaves simply rot during the rooting process. How does a money tree reproduce in this way? For this purpose, only strong, healthy leaves are selected.. Most of the selected leaves, even having time to grow roots, rot. But if the whole process is carried out correctly, then this can be avoided (or leaf rotting can be minimized).

First, the selected leaves should be dried for two days in a room where it is warm and dry enough. When the leaves become limp, they should be rooted immediately. This can be done using the following methods:

You should take a small glass or a shot glass, fill it with a solution with stimulants, put a leaf in it so that the leaf stalk is a centimeter in the water. This container must be placed in heat and light.

The leaf is placed on the edge of the pot, digging the cutting a couple of centimeters into the substrate. The soil should be moist, but there should be no stagnation of water so that the leaves do not begin to rot.

The substrate can be replaced with moss (sphagnum). It is first crushed and the bottom of the leaf is immersed in the resulting mixture.

The first and third methods of rooting foliage are the most effective. Roots usually appear in about a month.

Features of growing Crassula (video)

Type and varieties of Crassula

Crassula crescent is a poorly branched perennial shrub, up to 0.8 -0.9 m high, with sickle-shaped foliage, fleshy 8 - 9 cm in length. Flowers bright red collected in inflorescences - umbrellas.

Crassula arborescens

A succulent whose trunk is quite thick and whose shoots are powerful. Its natural habitats are the south and southwest of the African continent. Under natural conditions, the flower can grow up to 2.8 - 2.9 m. The foliage is oval-shaped, dense and fleshy. The inflorescence is a panicle with small white or light pink flowers.

Crassulla ovalum (Ovata gollum)

Strongly branching herbaceous perennial native to the African continent. The oval-shaped foliage is collected in small rosettes.

Crassula purslane

A perennial native to southern Africa. Its foliage is obovate and green in color. The flowers are small, white or pale pink.

A subshrub with tetrahedral creeping stems, growing in the Southwestern regions of the African continent. The foliage shape is triangular-oval, dark emerald in color. When young leaves are exposed to sunlight, they may acquire a reddish tint. The flowers are small, located singly in the axils of the leaves.

Semi-shrub perennial up to 0.8 - 0.9 m high, growing in the South-Eastern regions of the African continent. The foliage is oblong, triangular, pointed in shape, and can grow up to 13–14 cm in length. The flowers are red or white in umbellate inflorescences.

A shrub or subshrub, the shoots of which spread along the ground, grows in the southern and southeastern regions of the African continent. This dwarf plant does not grow higher than 0.6 m. The foliage grows together at the base, oval in shape, soft emerald color. Small white flowers are collected in inflorescences - panicles.

Crassula punctata

Herbaceous perennial with branched creeping stems, grows in southern regions of Africa. Foliage is collected in loose rosettes. The leaves above are emerald in color with red specks, below - purple with a red tint. The flowers are located in the axils, small and white.

Crassula Marnier

Belongs to dwarf perennial shrubs with an erect main stem. The foliage is located opposite, has a blue color, and is densely located around the main shoot. Numerous small flowers are located at the top of the bush.

Crassula Sunset

Has a wonderful decorative appearance due to the unusual color of the foliage– it is yellow-white in the center, and along the edges there is a red border.

Crassula Buddha Temple

This plant has an unusual shape. It does not have a stem, and the foliage grows as if from each other; the height of such a “structure” can reach 0.4 - 0.6 m. The color of the leaves is light green.

Grows on the Australian continent, stems and foliage are thick and fleshy.

Crassula the Hobbit

Almost all the foliage is turned outward, and the edges are fused from the base almost to the middle. As a result, the foliage looks like little bags rolled up by someone’s not very with a skillful hand. Blooms in winter, the flowers are small, light pink, collected in inflorescences.

Stems are erect. The foliage is alternate, slightly elongated, dark emerald in color. Small white The flowers are collected in inflorescences and emit a delicate, pleasant aroma.

Hybrid variety bred from Crassula ovata. Small foliage, oblong in shape, in the middle - dark emerald color, along the edges - a red border at the top and bottom of the leaf.

Crassula Mix

A shrub with a massive trunk, many shoots and oval-shaped foliage. There is a red border along the edge of the leaves.

Secrets of caring for crassula at home

The genus Crassula is one of the most numerous among all plant species. These even include those that grow in aquariums. All varieties of Crassula are succulents., which are easy and simple to grow. Even those lovers of indoor flowers who are just starting to grow them will not have any trouble with this plant. After all, caring for him is quite simple.

Features and frequency of watering

In the summer, water the flower once every 7 days, but if it gets too hot, then the number of waterings is increased to twice every 7 days. You should carefully monitor the soil in the pot - it should dry out strongly, but you should not fill the earthen lump. This is the most important point when caring for a money tree - Do not overdry the soil and do not flood the plant.

In winter, the number of waterings is reduced - the fat plant should be watered no more than once every 12 to 14 days. This flower is indifferent to air humidity, so there is no need to spray the foliage. But you need to wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust at least once every two weeks.

Top dressing

Typically, fertilizing is applied to the plant once every two weeks in the summer. You should purchase special fertilizers for cacti and succulents. The rest of the time, the amount of fertilizer is reduced by half, and the plant should be fed once every 30 days, and the concentration of fertilizing should be reduced by half. Typically, fertilizers are applied only to moist soil, so the flower should be fed immediately after watering.

Soil and drainage

Usually do it yourself nutrient substrate for this flower it doesn’t work, usually you just buy a special mixture for succulents in a specialized store.

The pot must have an exit hole at the bottom excess moisture during watering, and a layer of drainage (4–5 cm thick) should be poured onto the bottom of the pot; small pebbles, medium-sized expanded clay or coarse river sand are suitable for this.

Methods and timing of pruning Crassula

Bearberry is trimmed to give it a decorative appearance. The formation of the crown is carried out in spring or autumn, cutting off heavily overgrown shoots. Usually, when pruning, 4–5 leaves are left on each shoot.

You should also pinch the top of the flower so that the plant produces more side shoots. To ensure that the crown of the Crassula grows evenly and evenly, it is regularly turned on all sides to the sunlight.

Transplanting a money tree

You should not replant this flower often. Usually, such a procedure is performed only if the fat plant has grown greatly, or the bush needs to be divided - no more than once every three years. Best time for flower transplantation - mid-spring. For replanting, take a larger pot, and suitable soil is commercial soil for cacti and succulents.

What to do if Crassula leaves fall off

Many novice gardeners begin to panic when the foliage of the fat plant dries out and falls off. They cannot understand the reason for the leaf fall. Of course, in this plant, as well as in others, the periodic loss of leaves is a completely natural process, then the plant loses its old foliage. But if young leaves begin to fall off, then you should think about what is the reason?

And the reasons for leaf fall are as follows:

1. Too little light, especially in autumn and winter. During this period, the flower is transferred to the south window, or fluorescent lamps are installed nearby.
2. Drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations in the room. You should not place the flower next to an open window in winter, or place it on a cold window.
3. You should remember the “three pillars”, on which the care of this capricious plant rests: warmth, light and moderate humidity. And in this case, this flower will not have leaf fall.

Diseases and other problems when growing Crassula

The main pests that can attack the money tree are:

• spider mite;
• scale insect;
• mealybug.

Methods to combat these insects are as follows:

1. If a barely noticeable web appears on the foliage and stems, it means that a spider mite has settled there. You can fight it with soapy water or special preparations (Fufanon, Fitoverma, etc.).
2. If yellow or brown spots appear on the foliage, this indicates the appearance of a scale insect on the foliage. The methods of combating it are similar to those used against spider mites.
3. Wiping the foliage with a solution containing laundry soap helps a lot against mealybugs. If this measure does not help, then you can spray the plant with a solution of insecticides. Rubbing the leaves with medical alcohol also helps control this pest.

How to form a Crassula crown (video)

Crassula is a plant that has recently been very often grown at home to attract wealth and money to the family. But growing a plant for its decorative value is also not bad, because it can be given any shape - a ball or a bonsai.

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Home care

The best option would be to place the pot on east window, a southeast window would also be suitable. Direct sunlight on a south window will not prevent the flower from developing either. If you place a flower pot on a north window, then the reddish color of the leaves may not appear.

If the plant does not have enough light, the stems will stretch and turn pale. During active growth, a temperature of 20-25°C is desirable, and the best place for the flower will be a balcony or garden.

In winter, it is better to leave Crassula in a cool room (7-10°C). The flower can withstand frost of -2°C. Place it in a room away from radiators.

Which pot to choose?

The root system of Crassula is shallow, the crown is heavy and grows in breadth. It is better to take a pot that is wide, heavy and flat, with a diameter larger than the crown of the flower. The bottom of the pot should have a hole (to drain excess water), place expanded clay on the bottom 2 cm thick.

Soil for Crassula

The flower is unpretentious to the soil. Buy soil for cacti at a specialty store. You can make the soil yourself: coarse sand, fine gravel, agroperpit, charcoal.

How to replant?

Crassula tolerates drying out better than waterlogging. Be especially careful in winter - water a large flower once a month. If the leaves become soft, then it’s time to water them with water at room temperature, preferably in the evening.

The flower does not require additional spraying. The leaves are wiped from dust with a damp cloth.

It is enough to feed the plant in the spring-summer period 1 or 2 times a month with liquid fertilizer for cacti. Fertilizers are applied to moist soil immediately after watering. In winter, the plant is rarely fed, and the concentration of the solution is reduced by 2 times. When transplanting Crassula into new soil, it does not need to be fertilized.

Varieties of Crassula have some peculiarities in care. For hybrid Crassula mix, bright sunlight is better suited. For lycophyte or purslane crassula, darkening is better.

How to care for the Hobbit Crassula?

Crassula "Hobbit" is small, compact, and independently forms a knotty stem, like in a bonsai.

To achieve a “money tree” bonsai, you need to start pruning it when the flower is young, when the shoot is about 15 cm long. It needs to be pinched, leaving 2 leaves at the top. To form a beautiful crown of the tree, the stems are further pinched. The broken area is treated with crushed coal.

Transfer

The best time to transplant a flower is spring. Young flowers are replanted once a year, and adults - 3 times a year. Take a pot of larger diameter. Then the plant is placed in it along with a lump of earth, and soil is added to the pot. Watering should be done carefully, without over-wetting the flower. When replanted, the growth of the tree is activated.

How to reproduce?

Crassula propagation is noted for its simplicity. You can use the seed method or the vegetative method. You can cut a plant at any time (in winter there are difficulties regarding lighting and protection from hypothermia). The cuttings first lie dormant for 2 days, then they are planted in shallow pots with soil (leaf soil, turf soil, sand, 2:1:1). Cuttings can be placed in water with the addition of charcoal for disinfection. When roots appear, the seedlings are planted in pots (6-7 cm in diameter).

For seed propagation, soil is needed (leaf soil, sand, 2:1), after planting it must be covered with glass, sprayed and ventilated regularly every day. After 2 weeks, the seeds will germinate; they should be planted at a distance of 1 cm from each other. Young plants are transplanted to a permanent place, using soil and pots, as when propagated by cuttings.

What to do if leaves fall?

Despite its resistance to adversity and ease of care, Crassula leaves may periodically fall off. The reason for this may be problems with the root system (for example, poor drainage, as a result, the roots begin to rot). In such a situation, the flower is usually transplanted into another pot with normal drainage and watering is adjusted.

Another reason for leaf fall may be the incorrect use of various fertilizers and fertilizers. Which is usually resolved by stopping the use of these substances.

The third reason for leaf fall is high indoor temperature. In this case, you should change the room to a cooler one or move the plant into the shade.

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Description of this variety of Crassula

Crassula ovata Gollum (Hobbit) is a cultivar form of a succulent plant from the Crassula family Crassula ovoid (oval). Crassulas (crassulas) grow in arid and rocky areas, highlands of the Southern Hemisphere. Succulent plants store water “for the future” in their succulent shoots and thick leaf pulp.

Crassula Gollum (Hobbit) is a hybrid variety of Crassula, bred by American breeders in the 70s of the twentieth century. The basis for the new variety form is believed to be Crassula ovata and Crassula lactea (milk). In general, visually the plants resemble the “classic” oval Crassula. At first it is a shrub with succulent shoots, then, as it grows, the trunks and branches become lignified. It can be cultivated in the form of both a bush and a tree. In nature it grows up to 180 cm, but at home it can reach a height of 80 cm.

The differences from Crassula ovata are primarily in the leaves. In Crassula gollum (hobbit), they can be in two versions. In the first, the leaves are turned outward and fused from the base to the middle. The second option is characterized by complete fusion of leaves into tubes that expand upward, like funnels. The tips of the leaves are green, often with a reddish tint. There are also variegated forms with various colors of fleshy, succulent leaves.

These very decorative and pretty plants are easy to grow, they are unpretentious and do not require special conditions for successful development. Crassula ovata Gollum (Hobbit) blooms with small pinkish flowers collected in inflorescences. Like other variations of Crassula ovata, “hobbits” are able to live on a windowsill for a long time (two decades or longer), delight owners and surprise guests.

Photo

Home care

lighting	Needs sufficiently bright and long daylight - at least several hours a day.
temperature	From 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in spring and summer, when active vegetation is in progress. In the cold season, it needs wintering at 10-15 degrees Celsius.
location	Optimally placed on sunny windows (south, southwest, southeast). In summer you can take it out onto the balcony or into the courtyard.
watering	It is very important not to overwater, in spring and summer, water as the soil dries out, in winter - once a month or a little less often, focusing on the condition of the plant (if the leaves dry out and wrinkle, extraordinary watering is needed).
air humidity	It does not require special humidity conditions; this plant comes from hot, arid areas. Spraying and wiping the leaves from dust is welcome.
feeding	Special fertilizer for cacti and succulents a couple of times a month during the active growing season. It is best to combine it with watering.
the soil	The soil needed is not overly nutritious, loose, and well-drained. You can use commercial soil for cacti and succulents, or make your own mixture of turf soil, leaf soil and sand. Add pieces of broken brick for drainage, a small amount of zeolite and coal to prevent root rot.
pruning	Pruning is done to shape the plant to your liking. You can simply trim the shoots to form a crown, or you can even radically trim the trunk of a young plant and grow a bonsai form.

Reproduction

However, it must be said that the simplest and most popular way is still cuttings. Seeds are too long and difficult, rooting leaves also has its own specifics, but a cutting about ten centimeters long is what you need.

Lightly wither the cuttings in the shade, then place them in a glass of water (you should add charcoal to avoid rotting). When the roots appear, you can plant the plant in a small container with suitable soil. A small fat plant must receive enough light, and the soil must be moistened daily, unlike adult specimens.

Transfer

Young Crassula can be replanted once a year, each time slightly increasing the capacity. An adult plant is replanted approximately every three years or less.

Do not damage the delicate root system. The fat plant needs to be removed from the pot along with a lump of earth on the roots and in this form moved to a new container. If it is difficult to remove, tap on the bottom and walls of the pot. Do not get carried away with volume when transplanting crassulas: they do not need very large and deep containers. It is better to take a relatively shallow pot with a diameter slightly larger than the plant itself.

Possible difficulties

Crassula gollum (hobbit) is an unpretentious plant with modest needs. It grows rather slowly, rarely blooms (it may not bloom at all if cold wintering is not carried out correctly).

1. Crassula may suffer primarily from overwatering. Therefore, here, as they say, less is better.
2. Lack of sunlight can also negatively affect the condition of the plant. But burns from direct sunlight, if the fat woman spends the summer in the yard or on the balcony, are no better. We need to create a balance. If necessary, arrange light shading.

• Crassula lactea. Crassula milky. One of the ancestors of the hybrid variety Crassula ovata “Gollum (Hobbit)”. This species has only a hint of fusion of leaves a la “Gollum” - they grow together at the base. The plant is small (up to 60 cm in height maximum). Delicate wide rounded leaves, white flowers - a very nice specimen for a succulent grower’s collection!
• Crassula portulacea. Crassula purslane. Also a popular succulent with elongated, obovate leaves on thick stems. Decorative and practically obligatory in the collection of home succulents of the Crassulaceae genus.
• Adromischus halesowensis. Adromiscus halesowensis. If you like the exotic, somewhat “alien” look of “Gollums” (“hobbits”) and want something similar for your collection, then you will like Adromiscus. Elongated, voluminous, glossy leaves stretching in different directions give this bush a unique, special charm.
• Peperomia graveolens. Peperomia graveolens. A cool plant with thick, oblong leaves folded into “boats.” The shape is not everything: the leaves are green on top and red below. The decorativeness is off the charts!
• Hatiora salicornioides. Hathiora saltwort. Epiphyte cactus. Its branchy green shoots resemble horns and look like cute “hobbit” leaves. If you liked the “Gollum” variety of Crassula and want something else in the same spirit for your collection, Hatiora will definitely suit you.

Crassula ovata Gollum (Hobbit) is a truly non-standard variety form with a completely amazing leaves. Such plants look original, cute and touching at the same time. This unusualness, combined with the simple care measures usual for fatworts, makes them very attractive for indoor gardening.

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The Crassula plant is unpretentious care, but each variety has its own biological characteristics, knowledge and understanding of which will help maintain this plant in the best condition throughout all years of its life. Crassulu, varieties which can be both decorative and original, are especially popular among experienced flower growers, and therefore are widespread.

A large number of varieties of this Crassula capable of growing even in the presence of large errors in the care process. In any case, they will not wither if they stand in direct sunlight for some time. The succulent plant is not afraid of temporary shading around. This plant can also be purchased by those people who are often not at home and who go on various business trips, because the plant can also survive the drought stage well.

Crassula has a very attractive appearance, and if you start studying the shape of the crop’s crown, you can get a spectacular composition in the form of a bonsai. Not only the classic money tree can be effectively trimmed; there are a large number of hybrid varieties that also have a rather beautiful appearance.

Crassula - species:

1. The Hobbit.
2. Mix.
3. Tree-like.
4. Sunset.
5. Ovata.
6. Minor.

Crassulu tree-like type can be called a truly classic look of this succulent. It is this variety of Crassula that is popularly called the money tree. The culture can reach up to 1.2 meters in height, and the crown of this plant is perfect for forming bonsai. The tree-like variety of Crassula has a wide crown, which is formed using thickened shoots per plant.

Most often, the leaves of the crassula have rounded form. They grow from the stem itself and are most often located in pairs: opposite each other at each level of the shoots. In addition, each subsequent level of sheets is located crosswise in relation to the two adjacent ones.

For a tree-like money tree, the overall illumination indicator is very important. It is necessary that sunlight falls on the leaves of the crop, because this will directly determine brightness coloring of plant leaves. If you correctly follow all the conditions for the content of the culture, then the juicy leaves of the Crassula will have a rich green. In the upper part of the leaf you can distinguish small red inclusions and a border of the same color. If the fat plant gets too little sun, it will develop simple green leaves.

Crassula Ovata

Crassula is oval shaped, differently Ovata is a densely branching plant that can reach a height of up to 1 meter. The culture is capable of developing at a rapid pace and also has a fairly wide crown. It is most often formed by shoots together with succulent leaves. Such leaves most often have an oval or ovoid shape. At first, the shoots of the crop have a gray-green color, over time they begin to darken and become completely brown.

The leaves of the crop are green in color and located opposite each other. The leaves of the oval Crassula are always directed upward when growing, which is why their bases are able to grow together slightly. The newly developed leaves have a pointed end, which begins to fall off over time. Oval Crassula is unpretentious, so it can quickly adapt to home growing conditions. It can grow in the shade for a long time, so this arrangement of the plant will not change the color of the leaves in any way. This crop can be grown with high quality not only at home, but also in flower beds.

Miniature Crassula minor

Crassula minor is a variety of Ovata that was obtained artificially. The low-growing crop has green leaves with a reddish color. Moreover, they are capable of actively changing their color depending on the level of lighting in the place of growth. The oblong leaves of the crop most often grow to a length of no more than one centimeter and a width of 1.5 centimeters.

The table of this Crassula is quite juicy to the touch and has a green color. At the moment when the leaves from below begin to die, the stem actively becomes woody. It is with the help of this quality that the culture looks most compact in a pot. Experts recommend timely pruning of this plant. If it is carried out in a timely manner, then a miniature tree can competently decorate the interior of any apartment.

If you prefer to holiday in countries with warm climate, and love everything that even remotely resembles the seashore and beaches, then you should definitely purchase this variety of Crassula. This culture looks very resembles sea corals. To do this, it is best to put the Crassula in a shell pot, and stick a simple knitting needle with a fish-shaped toy into the ground and enjoy the beautiful view of the flower.

Crassula hobbit can be formed subsequently by crossing a milky and oval plant species. The leaves of this fat plant most often have a strange shape: they grow together from the base to the very middle, while at the same time they are turned to the outside. This plant grows for quite a long time, but already with early age it is worth pruning it. If the crop reaches a height of 15 centimeters, you can safely pinch the crown. Most often, it is worth leaving two small leaves at the top of the Crassula, since then it is from them that the active branching process will occur. If you need the Crassula to have a bushy crown, then it is worth re-pruning the plant.

Crassula Mix

Crassula mix is ​​loved by both experienced gardeners and amateurs. This variety comes from the family of the most unpretentious plants, so it easily continues its development in home growing conditions.

The trunk of this crop is quite strong and thick, the leaves are dark green in color. The leaf shape is oval. Without the pruning process, the crown of this crop will begin to form a bush-like shape. If you pinch the shoots in a timely manner, you can get a very attractive-looking tree or bonsai.

If we talk about the peculiarities of growing and caring for this crop, it is worth noting that it does not need to be fed during the winter period, that is, in the autumn-winter period there is no need to use fertilizing for the plant at all.

Features of the temperature regime for the plant

Such a plant does not need shading. Such a crop should be exposed to bright sunlight for a significant period of time. If your windows are on the north side, then you should not think that the plant will have bright and unusually colored leaves, which are characteristic of some varieties of Crassula.

In the summer, Crassula, the species and varieties of which grow well in fresh air, should be taken outside. On open balconies and on the terraces of houses, the plant will develop as well as in open space.

After a fairly harsh winter without much sunlight, the plant must eventually get used to the sun again, otherwise the leaves of the plant may develop burns. Sometimes you can notice a waxy coating on the leaves (tree-shaped and oval varieties of Crassula are especially susceptible to this process). This sign indicates that the plant is not prone to developing burns.

At the same time, you should not think that if a plant does not receive enough light, then in the near future it will begin to die and will not survive. It's not like that at all. An insufficient level of general lighting in the room can only negatively affect the appearance of the plant. As a rule, for this reason, the leaves of the plant begin to turn pale and the shoots begin to elongate.

The temperature regime for the qualitative development of crops in summer and winter is different from each other. While the crop is actively growing, it should be provided with a flow of fresh air. Optimal temperature For growing a flower in spring and summer, the temperature range is from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. In winter, Crassula is in a state of complete dormancy. It is best to place the pot together with this plant in a cool place, where the overall temperature will vary from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Also, the culture can easily withstand a temperature drop of two degrees for some time.

In winter, you should not place the crop next to radiators and heaters. It is best for the culture's dormant time to take place in a cool place. If the grower does not adhere to this rule for growing a flower, then it, of course, will not die, but the shoots may become very elongated.

Watering and fertilizing the plant, care

1. Crassula is capable of reacting negatively to dry air in the place where it grows. For it, as for many other succulents, the humidity indicator is not very wet. But it’s still worth wiping the surface of the sheets of dust over time.
2. The leaf blades of the plant should be cleaned with a damp cloth or sprayer. You can also arrange a shower for the plant, but in this case it is imperative to cover the pot with polyethylene film. If a large amount of liquid gets on the ground, the crop may begin to actively rot.
3. You should not overwater Crassula, because this is the main principle during watering, which a stoic must adhere to. It is worth moistening the soil only when it is completely dry to a depth of 3–4 centimeters. It is best for your plant to withstand drought rather than overwatering.

In winter, watering the plant is very rare. Most often, the number of waterings should be reduced to one per month. At the same time, the gardener must still ensure that the soil in the pot does not dry out completely. Dry soil can affect not only the critical lack of moisture in the plant, but also the leaves of Crassula. With a lack of moisture, its leaves begin to become softer to the touch.

To water Crassula, you should use water at room temperature, and it would be better to carry out the moisturizing procedure in the evening. If we talk about fertilizing and feeding the soil, the plant is considered extremely unpretentious. The fat woman does not need frequent feeding at all.

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Botanical description of Crassula

All representatives belonging to the genus Crassula are very diverse in external characteristics. A significant number of species are indoor perennials with monocarpic shoots of different heights. The foliage is opposite, in some species collected in a kind of basal rosette, simple, entire, often ciliated. The leaves at the base are free or fused.

Flowers are small in size, white, whitish, yellowish, red or bluish in color, collected in terminal or lateral, paniculate-umbellate or racemose inflorescences. There are varieties with single axillary flowers. Caring for the plant and propagating Crassula is very easy.

Planting and caring for Crassula (video)

Popular types, varieties and hybrids of Crassula

The genus Crassula includes more than two hundred species, many of which are very popular in home floriculture. Due to the external similarity of the leaves to coins, plants of this genus are often called “money tree”. In addition to the popular marginalis, there are many worthy, highly decorative and relatively unpretentious varieties, forms and cultures.

Crassula perforata (perforata)

C.perforate is a low-growing variety with diamond-shaped leaves arranged in pairs. The stem part is poorly branched and rigid. The leaf color is light green, with a characteristic bluish coating. There is a reddish border on the edges of the leaves. The height of the above-ground part does not exceed a quarter of a meter. Variegated forms have yellowish stripes on the foliage.

C.lyсorodioides, or C.musсosa, is a compact plant with a shrub-type aerial part, no more than a quarter of a meter high, with fleshy, tetrahedral, creeping shoots and a slightly rising apical part. The leaves are small, scale-like, tiled in several rows.

Crassula arborescens

C.arborescens is a relatively large variety with almost rounded foliage of a very characteristic bluish color with a red edge. The height of the above-ground part of an indoor tree can be one and a half meters. The variety is one of the most decorative, but is demanding in care and needs good natural light.

Photo gallery

C. lastea Ait. - shrub and semi-shrub plant, with a height of the above-ground part slightly more than half a meter. The shoots are creeping type, with thick, obovate, fused at the base, bare leaves. The leaf blade is green in color, with whitish dots at the edge. The inflorescences are paniculate, represented by numerous white flowers.

Crassula purslane

C.portulacea is an unusual variety with aerial roots that form on the trunk and branches. Flowering is extremely rare, paniculate inflorescences, represented by small, whitish or pinkish flowers.

C.ovata is a bushy plant with a height of the above-ground part of no more than a meter and highly branching woody stems. The foliage is oval-shaped, fleshy, with a green upper leaf blade and a reddish tint on the lower part.

Crassula Sunset

C.ovata cv. Hummmel's Sunset is a popular cultivar that has foliage that is decorated with stripes of white or yellow coloring. The leaves have a pronounced red border.

Crassula the Hobbit

C.Hobbit - hybrid form, obtained by American breeders almost half a century ago. It is characterized by the original shape of the foliage, which is turned outward and grows together from the base to the very middle. This highly ornamental plant is very suitable for creating bonsai.

C.ovate Minor is a compact variety with reddish, very attractive foliage. The species is slow growing, therefore, it is optimally suited for decorating mini-kindergartens.

Crassula punctata

C.risturata - highly decorative variety, having lodging, abundantly branching shoots and foliage with an original appearance. On the general green background of the leaf blade there is a huge number of red or lilac-red dots, and the marginal part is decorated with thin and transparent cilia.

C.Buddha's Temple - aboveground shoots of the cultivar are represented by a so-called column of tightly pressed, as if strung on the stem bases, triangular-shaped leaves and dark green coloring. The height of the above-ground part does not exceed 10-15 cm. Flowering is represented by apical inflorescences collected from red flowers.

Crassula mix

This group includes several hybrid forms and cultivars, which have an original appearance and are undemanding in care. Most often, the group is represented by the popular highly decorative varieties “Minor”, ​​“Hobbit” and “Obliqua”.

S. cv. Spring Time is a hybrid form characterized by a compact above-ground part and belongs to highly succulent plants. An adult plant is prone to lodging. The foliage is very juicy, bright green in color. During the flowering process, attractive light lilac flowers are formed.

Crassula Marnier

C. marnieriana is a variety characterized by a straight, slightly branched stem base and oppositely located, sessile, heart-shaped foliage of a bluish color. Numerous flowers, whitish, located in the apical part of the plant.

Crassula crescent

C.falcata Wendl is one of the most spectacular representatives, having quite large, scarlet-red colored, umbrella-shaped inflorescences that bloom at the top of a fleshy and tall stem. The foliage is very thick, with a characteristic crescent shape with blunt ends. Flowering occurs every year.

This variety is distinguished by its relatively small leaves, which sit densely on relatively numerous stems. The grown shoots very effectively hang over the edges of the flower pot, therefore the species is very often grown in hanging pots.

Caring for Crassula at home

Growing many varieties of Crassula at home is not at all difficult, and it is this circumstance that largely explains the high popularity of the culture among domestic and foreign amateur gardeners.

Lighting, temperature and humidity

All varieties require sufficiently bright natural light, even during the winter dormancy stage. The stems and foliage of the plant do not require special shading from direct sunlight. South and south-east windows are perfect. Lack of light causes thinning of the stems and shredding of the foliage.

The optimal temperature regime for Crassula in spring and summer is approximately 20-25°C, and in winter – 10-15°C. Air humidity is not particularly important, so the decorative perennial easily tolerates dry but fresh air. The foliage is periodically wiped with a damp soft cloth, which will maintain an attractive and well-groomed appearance.

How Crassula reproduces (video)

Soil and planting pot for Crassula

Soil in flower pot must be special, suitable for growing succulents. The culture has a shallow root system, so the planting pot should not be too high.

A nutritious soil substrate based on four parts of turf soil, one part of humus soil, one part of leaf soil and one part of sand with the addition of pieces of coal and brick chips is ideal for planting and growing. There should be sufficient drainage at the bottom of the flower pot.

Rules for watering a money tree

The perennial is watered rarely in autumn and winter, and much more often in spring and summer, but after checking the soil moisture in the flower pot at a depth of two fingers. We must remember that excess moisture often causes fungal diseases. Water for irrigation should be well settled, at room temperature, without high chlorine content.

When and how to replant Crassula correctly

To properly transplant a fat plant, you need to comply with a number of specific requirements. Young plants are replanted annually, and adult specimens - approximately every two or three years. Transplantation should be carried out in the spring, by transferring the root system with an earthen ball into a new flower pot.

During the replanting process, it is recommended to inspect the root system very carefully.. If the roots become excessively elongated, they should be trimmed and the cut areas should be sprinkled with crushed coal. After planting, the plant is carefully watered with settled water at room temperature. To keep the plant compact, replanting should be done extremely rarely. Good result gives a partial replacement of the top layer of soil in a flower pot.

Crown formation

If it is necessary to obtain the thickest possible stem part and dense crown, regular pruning and pinching of the tips of the shoots is performed. Regular pruning with sharp and clean pruning shears causes the aerial part to form correctly.

Top dressing

The perennial should be fed with a solution based on a universal fertilizer, or using a special fertilizer for cactus and succulents for this purpose. Feeding is carried out from April to September, approximately once or twice a month. In autumn and winter, fertilizing is done once a month., fertilizers at half concentration.

Methods for propagating Crassula

Ease of propagation is one of the advantages of this type of decorative perennial. Most often, indoor flowers are propagated by cuttings, but the seed method is also used. You can take cuttings from a plant regardless of the time of year., but it is most convenient in spring or summer. The prepared cuttings are dried for a couple of days, after which they are planted in landing tanks, filled with permeable and light soil substrate. Rooting in water with the addition of activated carbon is also allowed.

Seed propagation involves sowing into seedling containers filled with a mixture based on part sand and a couple parts leaf soil. Crops should be covered with film. Before mass shoots appear, the crops are regularly sprayed with settled water at room temperature and ventilated daily. Mass shoots appear after a couple of weeks, after which they peak.

Why do Crassula leaves fall off?

Falling leaves is the most common problem when growing Crassula in indoor floriculture. There may be several reasons for this phenomenon, including improper irrigation measures. Succulents are able to store moisture which makes them undemanding to watering.

Excessive moisture causes foliage to fall. However, too long interruptions in watering are also unacceptable. Stagnation of moisture often provokes rotting of the root system. Also, massive leaf fall is observed if temperature regime indoors and the plant is damaged by diseases or pests.

Plant pests and diseases

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