Crassula - David
Crassula david is a captivating and relatively compact succulent known for its unique, textured foliage and often vibrant coloration when stressed. This charming plant forms clusters of small, tightly packed leaves that create an interesting visual and tactile experience, making it a delightful addition to succulent collections and arrangements.
Key Features of Crassula david
- Small, Tightly Packed Leaves: The plant features numerous small, fleshy leaves that are densely arranged along the stems, often overlapping.
- Textured Surface: The leaf surfaces can exhibit a slightly rough or textured feel, adding to its unique appeal.
- Color Variations: Leaf color typically ranges from shades of green and grey-green, but can develop beautiful hues of red, orange, or bronze under cooler temperatures or bright sunlight stress.
- Branching Habit: It tends to branch readily, forming dense clusters or mats over time.
- Small Flowers: Mature plants may produce small, star-shaped flowers, typically white or pale pink, though flowering can be sporadic.
Care for Your Crassula david
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its compact growth and vibrant colors. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but intense afternoon sun may cause scorching.
- Soil: Requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is suitable.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk for Crassulas. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
- Humidity: Adapts well to average indoor humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the plant to maintain a clean appearance and prevent potential pest issues.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger and has good drainage. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids, which can sometimes hide in the dense foliage. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Stem Cuttings: A reliable method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a few days, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
- Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower. Select healthy, plump leaves, allow the cut end to callus, and place them on top of well-draining soil. New plantlets may eventually emerge.
- Division: Mature, clustered plants can sometimes be carefully divided at the roots during repotting.
Crassula david is a charming and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent that offers unique textural interest and the potential for beautiful stress coloration. Its compact growth habit and branching nature make it a versatile addition to various succulent arrangements and collections, bringing a touch of subtle beauty and resilience.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.