Globular Crassula
crassula hemisphaerica
Also known as: ["Globular Jade","Spherical Crassula"]
Overview
A small, succulent plant with spherical, fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Crassula |
| Botanical Name: | Crassula hemisphaerica |
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 waterlogged roots.
- Soil Type: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts unless reshaping is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; can tolerate direct sun if acclimated slowly.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun gradually over weeks; protect from intense midday sun; adjust indoor placement to mimic outdoor light conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer hours; use sheer curtains for strong indoor light.
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 wetting leaves.
Soil
well-draining succulent mix with added pumice or perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, and refresh soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild frost but prefers warmth; reduce watering in cooler temperatures.
Avoid drafts, maintain consistent temperatures, and adjust care based on seasonal changes.
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; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; both methods are effective for Crassula hemisphaerica.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, let it callus for a few days, plant in moist medium, keep lightly moist, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and sand mixture.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting hormone powder is recommended for faster results.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Clean scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a humidifier for faster rooting; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node or junction; pinch back tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/leggy stems, shape as desired, allow cuts to callus if needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; ensures fresh soil and prevents root-bound growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, handle roots carefully, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, reduce in winter, avoid leaf wetting.
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, coarse sand, or pumice to standard potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or discoloration (yellowing/browning) in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, reduce watering, and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter, rinse soil occasionally.
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 irritation if they ingest parts of Crassula hemisphaerica. The calcium oxalate crystals can cause discomfort, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Crassula hemisphaerica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrassula hemisphaerica contains small amounts of calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mild irritation and discomfort upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to local irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Crassula hemisphaerica?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Crassula hemisphaerica need direct sunlight?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Q: Is Crassula hemisphaerica toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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