What is Crassula?

Crassula is a genus of about 200 types of annual and permanent succulent plants. As a type of cactus plant, it belongs to the Crassulalaeae family, otherwise known as the Stonecrop family or Orpine. These plants usually occur in Asia, Madagascar and Africa. The most cultivated varieties came from Eastern Cape of South Africa.

This group of succulent plants differs greatly in size, shape and color. Normally they have strong, fleshy leaves with yellow, white or red flowers that range from less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 6 feet (1.8 m) in height. The leaves of some varieties have a tubular shape, while others are more flattering and curled. When spreading plants that are best performed during spring or summer, cuttings are usually dried for several days. The slices are inserted only as deep as it is required to hold them in place.

Meanwhile, this is tolerated in this genus with different light intensity, the species requires direct sunlight to obtain thick growth and coloring leaves similar to color DI live plants. Extreme heat or cold can cause these types of plants to lose leaves and die. However, some of the cultivated varieties can tolerate a small degree of frost. The superiority stimulates the production of roots, but also causes rotting in the lower stems.

One popular plant in this family is crassula ovata , also known as Jade Plant, Lucky Plant or Money Plant. In small white or pink flowers, it is commonly used as a house plant around the world. Its branches are strong and smooth with leaves that grow in pairs against each other. The color of the leaves is a green jade, while some varieties show a red tinge at the edges of the red tint when they are exposed to strong sunlight. This plant can be used in Arts Bonsai and is popular among those who practice it.

Usual pests for plants in the family crassula are mealybugs that can cause deformation in the newgrowth. A cotton swab or brush soaked in friction of alcohol can be used to kill the attack. Aphids are also considered common pests, although they usually attack only the stems of flowers of these plants. These types of plants generally do not tolerate older pesticides, although some people used modern systemic insecticides without adverse effects.