The “plakkie” plant, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, is a succulent known for its thick, tree-like stems and glossy, oval leaves. Originating from South Africa, it is a popular, resilient houseplant due to its undemanding nature and distinctive appearance. Its ability to store water in fleshy leaves makes it drought-tolerant and easy to care for. This guide explores the care practices for a thriving plakkie plant indoors.
Plakkie Care Essentials
Light Needs
Plakkie plants thrive with ample bright, indirect sunlight, ideally six or more hours daily. Placing them near a south or west-facing window typically provides suitable light conditions. While mature plants can tolerate some direct sun, prolonged exposure to harsh midday rays can scorch their leaves, causing them to shrivel or turn red. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, with elongated, sparse stems and pale green leaves.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is crucial for succulents, which are susceptible to overwatering. Water the plakkie deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot, where roots decay from excessive moisture. During active growing seasons (spring and summer), water more often, perhaps weekly, depending on conditions. During dormant winter months, reduce watering significantly, sometimes to once a month, as the plant’s water needs decrease.
Soil and Potting
Plakkie plants need well-draining soil to prevent water from lingering around roots. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix, often composed of sand, perlite, or pumice, is recommended. This gritty mix ensures rapid drainage, essential for succulent health. Pots must have drainage holes for excess water to escape. Terracotta pots are often preferred as their porous nature helps absorb soil moisture, preventing waterlogging.
Temperature and Humidity
Plakkie plants thrive in average household temperatures, ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day. They tolerate cooler night temperatures, down to 55°F (13°C), but avoid exposure below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods, as they are not frost-tolerant. Plakkies adapt to typical indoor humidity, though 30-50% is preferred. Keep them away from cold drafts or heating/cooling vents to maintain a stable environment, beneficial for health.
Fertilizing
Plakkie plants do not require heavy fertilization, but feeding during active growth supports robust development. Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during spring and summer. Alternatively, use a controlled-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period (fall and winter) to prevent nutrient burn or root damage.
Propagating Plakkie
Propagating plakkie plants from cuttings is straightforward, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share. Both stem and leaf cuttings work, though stem cuttings typically offer higher success and quicker establishment. For stem cuttings, select a healthy piece at least 3 to 4 inches long, ensuring it has several leaves. For leaf propagation, gently twist off a healthy, entire leaf from the main stem.
After taking a cutting, allow the cut end to “callus over” for several days in a warm, dry location. This forms a protective barrier, preventing rot when planted. Once callused, insert stem cuttings 1-2 inches deep into well-draining succulent mix, or lay leaf cuttings flat on the soil surface, ensuring contact. Water lightly to keep soil barely moist, avoiding overwatering, and place in bright, indirect light. Roots typically form within weeks, and new growth emerges from the leaf or stem cutting.
Pruning and Shaping Plakkie
Pruning maintains a plakkie plant’s health, shape, and aesthetic appeal, encouraging denser, bushier growth. It prevents the plant from becoming leggy or top-heavy, which can lead to unstable branches. The best time to prune is spring or early summer, coinciding with active growth for quicker recovery and new development.
To encourage bushiness, pinch off new tender tip shoots, promoting lateral branching over vertical elongation. Trim leggy or drooping branches with sharp, sterile pruning shears, making cuts just above a leaf node for new growth. Remove any yellowing, dark-spotted, or dried branches to maintain plant vigor. When pruning, avoid removing more than 20-30% of branches at one time to prevent shocking the plant.
Common Plakkie Problems
Plakkie plants are resilient, but show symptoms when care requirements are not met. Shriveled or wrinkled leaves, or a limp, drooping plant, often indicate underwatering. This suggests the plant draws moisture from its leaves to compensate for lack of soil water.
Soft, mushy stems or squishy, waterlogged leaves signal overwatering, quickly leading to root rot. If these symptoms appear, allow the soil to dry thoroughly and assess potting mix drainage. Insufficient light causes leggy or sparse appearance with wide spaces between leaves; move the plant to a brighter location for more compact growth. Pests like mealybugs and scale can infest plakkie plants. Address localized infestations by wiping them off with an alcohol-soaked swab.