Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ is a unique and easy-to-care-for succulent that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. This succulent is prized among collectors for its distinctive foliage and compact size, making it an especially popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts. With its needle-like leaves and shrubby appearance, it gives the illusion of a miniature pine tree, adding an interesting touch to any collection.
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Physical Characteristics of Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’
Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ is a small succulent that can reach a maximum height of over 12 inches. The leaves of this plant are needle-like, sparsely branched, and have a brown, woody bark. The leaves themselves are a vibrant green and are well-spaced in pairs along the stems. The leaves are often described as being shaped like an awl. Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ tends to grow in a shrubby or almost tree-like fashion, though it can be easily trimmed to accommodate any preferences a gardener may have in terms of size and shape.
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When in bloom, Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ produces dense clusters of creamy white star-shaped flowers at the tips of the branches. Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ typically blooms in the late spring or early summer.
Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ Environmental Preferences
Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ prefers filtered or partial sun and bright indoor light. It is cold hardy to zone 10 (30F). It requires well-draining soil and should be watered when the soil is dried out.
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Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ Care and Maintenance
Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ is easy to propagate through leaf and stem cuttings, offsets, and seeds. 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. Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ is not prone to pests or diseases and requires minimal maintenance. It really is one of the succulents I never have to worry about.
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Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ Conclusion
Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ is a unique and easy-to-care-for succulent that makes a great addition to any collection. With its needle-like leaves and shrubby appearance, Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ gives the illusion of a miniature pine tree, adding an interesting touch to any indoor or outdoor setting. With proper care, it can reach just over 3 feet in height and produce dense clusters of creamy white flowers in the late spring or early summer. Remember to provide Crassula tetragona ‘Miniature Pine Tree’ with bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal watering to ensure healthy growth.
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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.
