Fairy Crassula
crassula multicava
Also known as: ["Mother of Thousands","Fairy Crassula"]
Overview
A succulent plant known for its ability to produce numerous small plantlets along the edges of its leaves, making it easy to propagate.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","fast growing","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Crassula |
| Botanical Name: | Crassula multicava |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright location or outdoor in a sheltered spot with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°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 some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- 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; tolerates some direct sun but prefers filtered light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright indirect light to partial sun
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun; provide shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water less in winter.
Soil
well-draining succulent or cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; refresh soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefers cooler winter dormancy.
Avoid drafts; keep away from heating/cooling vents; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting.
- Let callus form.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
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 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings dry before planting; use clean tools; maintain humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth, spent flowers, or overcrowded stems to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
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 active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage.
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; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.
Checklist
Choose appropriate 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 until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation while avoiding waterlogging.
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; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or brown leaf tips in heat; stunted growth or root rot in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold temperatures.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure well-draining soil; reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or sunburn if exposed to intense heat without adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use 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 ToxicCrassula multicava can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The plant is not highly toxic but may lead to mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Crassula multicava by dogs may result in mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrassula multicava contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Crassula multicava?
A: It propagates easily from the small plantlets that form on the edges of its leaves; simply detach and plant them in well-draining soil.
Q: Is Crassula multicava toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Crassula multicava?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright indirect light to parti |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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