Coastal Jade
crassula sarmentosa
Also known as: ["Creeping Jade","Trailing Jade"]
Overview
A succulent plant with trailing stems and fleshy, green leaves often tinged with red at the edges.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","pet-friendly"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Crassula |
| Botanical Name: | Crassula sarmentosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor garden in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; rotate regularly for even growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant weekly; provide bright indirect light indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid wet leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining succulent mix with added perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; use pots with drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); can tolerate mild frost but thrives in warm conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only during active growth; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for a few days.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callus before planting; keep soil lightly moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth to encourage bushier form; prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; use fresh well-draining soil.
Checklist
Choose right-sized pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
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 root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
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 or coarse sand to improve drainage; mix in organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or drop in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest parts of Crassula sarmentosa. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Crassula sarmentosa can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrassula sarmentosa contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested by humans. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crassula sarmentosa toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Crassula sarmentosa?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Can Crassula sarmentosa be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, indirect light indoors and is well-suited for hanging baskets or containers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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