Bushvygie
crassula sarcocaulis
Also known as: ["Fleshy-stemmed Crassula","Bushvygie"]
Overview
A small, succulent shrub native to South Africa, known for its fleshy stems and small, star-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Crassula |
| Botanical Name: | Crassula sarcocaulis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a rock garden
- 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 root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice.
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; remove only dead or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates full sun with gradual acclimation.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun slowly over weeks; protect from intense midday sun; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid prolonged shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust for dormancy in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Avoid drafts; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust care seasonally.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; stop feeding when growth slows.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist but not wet.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools; avoid overwatering; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove spent flowers to redirect energy.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove damaged growth; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh, well-draining soil; place in a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for pests; ensure proper drainage; avoid overpotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to standard potting soil; ensure aeration and drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, or discoloration (yellowing/browning) in extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root rot if soil remains wet; leaves may wrinkle or blacken.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; ensure soil dries fully; use frost cloth if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity with misting; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth; cease in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid feeding in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Crassula sarcocaulis. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Crassula sarcocaulis may 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 sarcocaulis 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 often should I water Crassula sarcocaulis?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Does Crassula sarcocaulis flower?
A: Yes, it produces small, star-shaped flowers, typically in spring or autumn.
Q: Is Crassula sarcocaulis toxic to pets?
A: There is limited information available, but it is generally considered non-toxic.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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