Crassula ‘Springtime’ is a cultivar of C. rupestris known for its chunky leaves and showy blooms. With rough, triangular leaves stacked on thin stems up to 6 inches tall, this plant is perfect for a hanging pot and adds a unique touch to any collection. It tends to bloom late winter to early spring with round clusters of tiny pink flowers, making Crassula ‘Springtime’ a great addition to your collection during the colder months.
Important Info for All: Drainage Hole at the Bottom of The Pot: Do Succulents Need Them? The Answer Might Completely Shock You!
You might also like: Succulent Death Bloom (Sounds like a metal band.)
Physical Characteristics
Crassula ‘Springtime’ has grey-green to dark green, opposite, thick elliptic leaves that are no larger than a thumbnail. The flowers are light pink, full of scent, and up to 5cm wide, with a red center surrounded by pink. They form in clusters, dense and complex, but beautiful and pleasant to watch. The pagoda-like stems add to the unique appearance of Crassula ‘Springtime’.
Everything you need to know about: Root Rot in Succulents: How to Identify and Treat the Problem
Crassula ‘Springtime’ Environmental Preferences
Crassula ‘Springtime’ is hardy in zones 9a to 11b and is frost-sensitive, so it should be planted indoors in temperatures less than 30° F (-1.1° C). It prefers well-draining soil and good light, with full sun to light shade. Avoid exposing Crassula ‘Springtime’ to direct sun in the summer and provide morning sun only. It needs regular water during the growing season, but less water during the winter months. It’s fairly drought tolerant and resistant to diseases, but may be prone to mealybugs.
You might also like: Taking Care of Succulents Inside
Crassula ‘Springtime’ Care and Maintenance
Crassula ‘Springtime’ is easy to cultivate and great for pots or landscaping. It requires regular watering and fertilization during the growing season and can quadruple in size in just one year. It’s best to avoid exposing it to direct sun in the summer and to reduce watering during the winter months. Over time, Crassula ‘Springtime’ may become untidy and may need to be cut back or restarted from cuttings. To propagate, take leaf or stem cuttings and place them in well-draining soil. Don’t water Crassula ‘Springtime’ cuttings until you can feel that the cutting has rooted by giving it a little tug.
Can’t Miss: Euphorbia alluaudii ‘Madagascan Fire Plant’: A Comprehensive Care Guide
Crassula ‘Springtime’ Conclusion
Crassula ‘Springtime’ is a unique and easy-to-care-for succulent that adds a pop of color to any collection. With its chunky leaves and showy blooms, it’s a great addition to any collection during the colder months. Crassula ‘Springtime’ prefers well-draining soil and good light, and is best planted indoors in frost-sensitive areas. With proper care, it can thrive and add a unique touch to any collection. Remember to provide Crassula ‘Springtime’ regular water and fertilization during the growing season and to avoid exposing it to direct sun in the summer.
You might like: Echeveria desmetiana: A Comprehensive Guide to This Classic Beauty
Where to Buy Succulents Online
I receive a small commission when you purchase anything through my links.
Crassula Succulents: The Ultimate Guide
Succulents are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening, due to their minimal care requirements and unique appearance. One of the most diverse and popular types of succulents is the crassula.
Crassula, also known as Jade Plants, are a type of succulent that is native to South Africa. They have been formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 with 10 species. The name crassula comes from the Latin adjective “crassus”, meaning thick, referring to the thickening of the succulent leaves.
Crassula are popular for their great diversity of forms and colors. They are a truly no-fuss plant, and can grow well indoors and require minimal water. They are a fantastic choice for beginning succulent growers and anyone who wants to grow succulents indoors.
Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
Crassula come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two main forms are the shrubby Jades with round, glossy leaves and the long-stemmed, trailing varieties with thin, symmetrically stacked leaves. Potted and pruned, Crassula can stay under 3 inches, but outdoors, Jade Plants can grow into large shrubs up to 6 feet tall.
Crassula also come in many shades of green, some with color accents on their leaf tips. Red, orange, and yellow accents can flush brighter with periods of stress from direct sun, cold temperatures, or restricted water.
The foliage of crassula is also diverse, with a variety of fleshy leaf shapes, including those resembling paddles, pagodas, straws, and propellers.
Crassula also have small, white to pink bloom clusters that are generally considered unremarkable. Some “stacked” Crassula species are monocarpic and will only bloom at the end of their lives after many years of growth.
Environmental Preferences
Crassula prefer indirect sunlight, which can be found in most rooms. However, if you have colorful varieties, they need to be near a sunny window or under a grow light to show vibrant red and yellow pigments. For outdoor plantings, pick partial sun locations with shade protection on hot afternoons.
Crassula also need well-draining soil like a cactus/succulent potting mix. To make your own, mix 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand. Fertilizer is not required, but 2-3 applications of balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer can encourage growth.
Crassula require minimal water, only water when soil is fully dry, then drench thoroughly. Depending on soil type, container size, and climate, watering frequency can vary from 2-8 times a month.
Most Crassula only tolerate a brief, light frost; outdoor planting is restricted to zones 9 and 10.
Types of Crassula Succulents
There are many different types of crassula succulents, including common and less common varieties.
Common Types
Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)
Crassula arborescens (Silver Dollar Plant)
Crassula tetragona (Mini Pine Tree)
Less Common Types
Crassula rupestris (String of Buttons)
Crassula perforata (String of Nickels)
Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant)
Care and Maintenance
Propagation
Repotting
Repotting should be done when the plant has outgrown its current container or when the soil has broken down and is no longer providing proper drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current container and loosen any tangled roots. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as cactus/succulent mix, and plant the crassula at the same level it was previously planted. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests that can affect crassula plants include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and treating them immediately with an appropriate pesticide can prevent infestations. Avoid over-watering and providing proper drainage can also prevent issues with pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Crassula succulents are a versatile and easy-to-care-for addition to any collection. With a wide variety of forms and colors, they can be used in a variety of ways, such as indoor bonsai plants or outdoor landscaping plants.
Crassula plants are very forgiving growers, but they will rot if left in standing water. Always err on the side of heavier and less frequent watering and enjoy watching the plants shrink as they dry and swell when re-hydrated.
Remember to provide proper light, well-draining soil, and minimal watering. Regular inspection and treatment for pests can also help ensure healthy growth.
