Crassula exilis, often known as Watch Chain Crassula or Princess Pine, is a distinctive succulent prized for its unique appearance. Its small, tightly packed, overlapping leaves grow in a columnar fashion, creating a cascading habit that resembles a miniature chain or pine branch. This charming plant is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its fascinating structure and relatively straightforward care requirements. Its succulent nature allows it to store water, making it resilient.
Crassula Exilis Care
Crassula exilis thrives in bright, indirect light, preferring about six hours daily. A south-facing window is often ideal. While it enjoys morning sun, it is important to shield it from harsh, direct afternoon sunlight, which can cause leaf scorching. Insufficient light, however, can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy as it searches for more light.
Watering Crassula exilis correctly follows the “soak and dry” method common for succulents. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. You can check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the potting mix; if it feels dry, it is time to water again. Watering frequency will naturally vary with the seasons, requiring less water during its winter dormancy period.
This succulent requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogged conditions around its roots. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal, as it enhances drainage. Using a pot with ample drainage holes is also important to allow excess water to escape freely.
Crassula exilis prefers average room temperatures, generally thriving between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold drafts or temperatures below 30°F (-1.1°C). This plant tolerates typical indoor humidity levels and does not require additional humidity.
Fertilization for Crassula exilis should be infrequent and applied sparingly. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents can be used about once a month. It is important to withhold fertilizer completely during the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant.
Propagating Crassula Exilis
Propagating Crassula exilis is effectively done through stem cuttings. Begin by selecting a healthy stem section, ideally at least 2-3 inches long, using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. After taking the cutting, allow the severed end to dry and form a callus for a few days in a dry, airy place away from direct sunlight. This callusing process is important as it helps prevent rot when the cutting is planted.
Once the cutting has callused, plant it in a pot filled with well-draining succulent soil, burying the callused end slightly. Provide minimal water initially, only lightly moistening the soil, until roots begin to establish, which typically takes a few weeks. While leaf cuttings are possible, stem cuttings offer a higher success rate.
Common Problems
Overwatering is a frequent issue, leading to soft, mushy stems or yellowing leaves, and root rot. If this occurs, reduce watering immediately, ensure the plant is in well-draining soil, and consider repotting if the damage is severe.
Insufficient light causes etiolation, where stems appear elongated with sparse leaves. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight will help correct this.
Like many succulents, Crassula exilis can be susceptible to common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Regularly inspect the plant for these pests. Mealybugs can be treated by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, while insecticidal soap can manage spider mites.
Shriveled or wrinkled leaves indicate underwatering. Increasing watering frequency slightly, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened during each watering session, should help the leaves plump up again.