The Crassula ovata ‘Coral’, also known as ‘Coral Jade’ or ‘Gollum Jade’, is a unique succulent. It features tubular leaves that can develop reddish tips, resembling coral or elongated fingers. Originating from South Africa, this low-maintenance plant is popular for its sculptural shape and compact growth, making it suitable for various indoor settings.
Crassula Ovata Coral Care Guide
Light Requirements
Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, receiving four to six hours daily. Adequate light promotes robust growth and enhances its reddish leaf tips. While it tolerates partial sun, insufficient light results in leggy, stretched growth and loss of color. Excessive direct sun can cause leaf burn or yellowing. Indoors, a south or west-facing window provides ample light.
Watering Practices
Water Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ using the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. It stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems, making it drought-tolerant. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing mushy stems or yellowing leaves. Signs of thirst include dry soil and shriveled leaves, which plump up after watering.
Soil and Drainage
For Crassula ovata ‘Coral’, use a soil mix with excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is suitable. Alternatively, combine regular potting soil with gritty amendments like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. A common ratio is one part potting soil to two parts coarse sand or perlite for aeration and quick drainage. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.6 to 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ prefers warmer temperatures, thriving between 18°C and 24°C (65-75°F). While it tolerates some fluctuations, it is sensitive to frost; temperatures below 10°C (50°F) damage the plant. If grown outdoors, gradual acclimatization is important. As a succulent from dry regions, it has low humidity requirements and thrives in typical household levels (40-60%).
Fertilizing Your Plant
Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ requires minimal fertilization. Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during its active growing season (spring and summer). Once or twice during this period is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows or becomes dormant. Over-fertilization can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to brown spots on leaves.
Propagating Crassula Ovata Coral
Propagating Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ is straightforward, achieved through leaf and stem cuttings.
Leaf Cuttings
Select a healthy, plump leaf and gently twist it from the main stem, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaf to callus in a dry, warm place for a few days to prevent rot. Once callused, place the leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil, pressing it lightly into the surface.
Stem Cuttings
Choose a healthy stem segment about 7-10 centimeters (3-4 inches) long and use clean shears to cut below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves to expose about an inch of stem. Allow stem cuttings to callus for two to three days before planting. Once callused, insert the cut end 2.5-5 centimeters (1-2 inches) deep into well-draining soil. Lightly water after planting. Keep cuttings in a bright, warm spot, avoiding direct sun until roots develop in a few weeks.
Repotting Your Coral Jade Plant
Repotting Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ is necessary every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing from drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. Spring is the best time for repotting, during its active growth. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosening circling roots if root-bound.
Choose a new pot only slightly larger than the previous one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Use a fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus mix for aeration and to prevent water retention. Position the plant at the same depth, then backfill with soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets. After repotting, wait a few days to a week before watering to allow root damage to heal and prevent rot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Crassula ovata ‘Coral’ can exhibit common issues related to improper care. Yellow, soft, or mushy leaves indicate overwatering and root rot. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings and improve drainage. Shriveled or wrinkled leaves signal underwatering; thorough watering rehydrates the plant.
Leggy growth (stretched stems, sparse leaves) suggests insufficient light. Move to a brighter location with more direct sunlight for compact growth. Common pests include mealybugs (white, cottony masses). Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap. Spider mites can also infest, causing webbing and leaf damage; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.