Fiddle Leaf Fig
crassula perfoliata
Also known as: ["Money Plant","Fiddle Leaf Crassula"]
Overview
A succulent plant with fleshy, rounded leaves that form a rosette shape, often grown for its ornamental value.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Crassula |
| Botanical Name: | Crassula perfoliata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; move indoors if outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid intense afternoon sun; provide shade during peak summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid wetting leaves.
Soil
well-draining succulent mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering; use a mix with good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem or leaf cuttings; leaf cuttings are common for Crassula perfoliata.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy leaf/stem, let cuttings callous for a day, plant in medium, keep moist but not wet, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; mist occasionally if very dry.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings may take 2–4 weeks to root; stems root faster, within 1–2 weeks.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, mature leaves; let cuttings dry before planting; keep soil lightly moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove dead or damaged growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth and encourage bushier form; prune to maintain shape and health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, cut at an angle, remove dead growth, shape as desired, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; helps refresh soil and prevent root bound.
Checklist
Select new pot, prepare soil, handle roots carefully, water sparingly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess to drain; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may become soft and translucent; growth halts below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, brown, or drop; growth slows in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently if in direct sun.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to soil, avoid leaves, stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Crassula perfoliata. The bufadienolides present can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Crassula perfoliata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of bufadienolides. The effects are typically not severe but should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrassula perfoliata contains small amounts of bufadienolides, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crassula perfoliata toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Crassula perfoliata?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Can Crassula perfoliata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, indirect light indoors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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