Crassula Tetragona Succulent

About Plant- Crassula Tetragona is an evergreen, succulent plant up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The narrow, almost needle-like foliage and a sparsely branched, shrubby, or tree-like habit of this South African native have caused it to be misleadingly dubbed "miniature pine." The apple-green, awl-shaped leaves occur in well-spaced pairs along fleshy upright stems that can reach waist height. The stem is woody with brown bark. Dense clusters of small, cream to white flowers appear at the branch tips in spring and summer. 

 

Crassula Tetragona Succulent Care

Light- Crassula plants prefer full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer can burn the leaves of the plants. A place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Many Crassulas will stress beautifully to shades of red, purple, pink, orange, or yellow in response to more sunlight. In low light, even the reddest plants will revert to green. Most Crassulas can be grown indoors if given enough light. Place your plants in a southern window where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

 

Soil- Crassulas are not particular about soil pH, but they require very porous soil with excellent drainage. Most of them will do well in sandy or even rocky soil. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for use with succulents or mix your own. In habitat, Crassul plants usually grow in rocky quartz fields. 

 

Watering- These plants have typical watering needs for succulents. Avoid overwatering by using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter, as your Crassulas can lose its roots if the soil stays cold and wet for extended periods. Potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground. 

 

Fertilizing- Crassulas are slow-growing succulents and do not need much feeding. They will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when they start actively growing. 

 

Repotting- Many Crassulas do well in the same container and soil for many years. Repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of a period of active growth. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots and place the plant in new or the same pot with a fresh potting soil mix. Leave you Crassula dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to prevent root rot in your plant. 

 

Pruning- Crassulas can benefit from occasional pruning to keep them healthy and compact. When plants start to get straggly or leggy, do not be afraid to cut them back. The pruning is best done in spring or after the blooming. 

 

Temperature- These succulents prefer average summer temperatures between 65 and 70 °F (18 and 21 °C). In winter, cold to 50 °F (10 °C). However, elsewhere you could bring your potted plants indoors for the winter.