Red Crassula (Crassula coccinea) – Succulent plants

Red Crassula (Crassula coccinea) is a small, succulent shrublet that grows up to 40 cm tall, with few stems that branch from the base. As the plants get older the bottom of the stems turns brown and dry with the bright new leaves at the ends. The succulent leaves are flat, oval-shaped and arranged to overlap each other along the stems. In midsummer, the striking flowers are formed in a dense, flat-topped head at the tip of the stems. The long, tubular flowers are fragrant and brilliant red, especially in the sunshine.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Scientific Name: Crassula coccinea L.
Synonyms: Crassula versicolor, Danielia coccinea, Danielia versicolor, Dietrichia coccinea, Dietrichia versicolor, Rochea coccinea.
Common Names: Red Crassula, Klipblom

How to grow and maintain Red Crassula (Crassula coccinea):

Light:
It thrives best in bright light with some direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill will be an ideal position for these plants. They will not flower without sunlight and inadequate light will cause developing spindly growth.

Soil:
It grows well in well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Add coconut coir and Pine bark to make the soil more drainage friendly.

Water:
Water regularly, during the growing season (April to September), but water sparingly when dormant (autumn and winter). Allow the top of the soil to slightly dry out before watering again.

Temperature:
It prefers ideal room temperatures of around 60°F – 75°F / 15.5°C – 24°C. During winter no less than 50°F / 10°C. Cold weather and damp weather is not good. It loses its color and turns yellow and mushy.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season, from spring through summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not fertilize during the winter.

Re-potting:
Re-pot in spring when the plant becomes root bound or the soil needs renewing. A good solid and heavy pot is best to use because of these plants are well known for being top-heavy. A heavy pot will prevent them from tipping over.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings or by basal offsets. The cuttings or offsets should be taken in spring. Take 2-3 inch long stem cuttings and plant it in a 2-3 inch pot of equal parts mixture of peat moss and sand and keep it at normal room temperature in the bright filtered light.

Pests and Diseases:
It has is no serious pest or disease problems. But they are susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and fungal diseases. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot.