Crassula Ovata is a succulent plant associated with abundance, wealth, and luck. At first, I also wondered why these associations? It's no coincidence that Romanians nicknamed it "banut" (meaning coin) and abroad it's also called the "dollar plant tree". It is said that the richer the plant, the richer the place where it is found.
I told you the story, now let me introduce this wonderful plant which is very dear to me personally.
Crassula Ovata belongs to the Crassula family, Jade Trees, and is native to South Africa. Crassula Ovata has a shrub-like appearance with slow growth. It is an ideal plant for growing indoors or outdoors. It is an extremely resilient succulent with a lifespan of approximately 50 years.
Care and Maintenance
The characteristic of succulents is that their care is minimal. The most important thing is to avoid excess moisture in the soil. Therefore, indoors, it becomes important where we place it. In a shady/semi-shady spot, the watering rate is higher than in a spot exposed to filtered sun or direct sunlight. I recommend watering in summer 1x/10-14 days, and in winter 1x/25-30 days.
It accepts all forms of light very well, from shade to direct sunlight. It is very interesting to observe how, in direct sunlight, it reddens the tip of its leaf. Light influences its development, which is already slow, as well as flowering. The flowers are in the shape of small stars, white-pinkish, and are grouped into inflorescences at the ends of the stems. It blooms in spring and late autumn.
Coming from a hot area, it tolerates drought and high temperatures very well, while the minimum is 8-10 degrees. Pay close attention to the wintering period of succulents (October – February).
It is very easy to propagate by leaf or branch cuttings, in any season except the cold season. The cutting must be left to dry on the cut site for 2-3 days, after which it is planted in soil mixed with sand that is moistened very little. However, you need to have a lot of patience, as the development of the seedlings is slow.
The soil for this type of succulent is a special one that must ensure very good drainage. Personally, I recommend buying it from the plant and garden sections of hypermarkets. Crassula Ovata is a fairly resistant plant to pests and diseases, being more exposed to attacks by mealybugs. In case of excessive humidity, spots and rot appear on the leaves and stems.
Recommendations from A V F AB RI CAde FL OR I:
In spring, the plant is pruned to make it bushier and stimulate the thickening of the stems.
