Crassula octopus
Let me share some experiences about succulent plants with you, Crassula octopus. Let's take a look together.
Octopus Cotyledon octopus
Crassula argentea
Native to the Cape Province of South Africa. The leaves of the octopus have degenerated into strips, which may be related to the environment of its native habitat. The plant is an upright, fleshy shrub and not very tall. The leaves are opposite, long and strip-shaped, with slight wrinkles at the top, and a layer of blue-white powder on the leaf surface. Under strong light, the edges of the leaf tips will turn red. It blooms in spring and summer, with compound corymbose paniculate inflorescences, the inflorescences are tall, the small flowers are tubular and pendulous, the flowers are orange yellow, and the flower buds look like small peppers.
The octopus requires a sunny, cool, and dry environment, is tolerant of semi-shade, afraid of waterlogging, and dislikes humid heat. It has the habit of growing in cool seasons and dormant in high summer temperatures. The growing period of the plant is from September to June of the following year (the growing period varies depending on the environment of the plant friends). Insufficient light will cause the plant to stretch, the distance between the leaves will increase, making the plant loose and the stems very fragile. Plants growing in sufficient sunlight will have a compact, low-growing habit and closely spaced internodes.
The octopus kite is kept in a sunroom with full sunlight. During the growing period, keep the soil slightly moist and avoid waterlogging. The soil used by the kite is a mixture of coal slag, peat, and a small amount of perlite, with a ratio of about 6:3:1, and the surface of the soil is covered with small stones.
The octopus can tolerate temperatures as low as -2°C when the potting soil is dry, which is the indoor temperature, not outdoor. If it gets lower, the growing tips of the leaves will freeze, dry up, or even die. As long as the main stem does not die, new lateral branches will sprout from the wilted areas the following year. Watering is basically stopped throughout the winter, and watering should start to be reduced below 5 degrees.
When the temperature exceeds 35°C in summer, the growth of the entire plant basically stops. At this time, reduce watering to prevent root rot caused by excessively moist potting soil. Strengthen ventilation, provide appropriate shade, and avoid direct sunlight. This is the basic care throughout the summer. It is worth noting that in the summer, the kite does not completely stop watering; it only gives a small amount of water, about twice a month, between 7-9 PM when the sun has already set, which will not affect the plant's roots.
In cultivation, avoid getting the plant wet in the rain, or else the white powder on the leaves will be washed off. The octopus should be repotted every 2-4 years, before the first watering in early spring. The plant is not too small and has branches, which can be topped for cutting and dividing, or propagated by leaves. The leaves can be placed flat on the soil surface in a shady and well-ventilated area. No need to pay attention to them; they will gradually grow new leaves. Watering can start when the roots have grown.
Propagation by cuttings is even simpler, just insert healthy old branches into slightly moist sandy soil. In a shaded and well-ventilated area, roots will grow in about 15 to 20 days. Cuttings should be chosen in spring and autumn, and leaf propagation can be done at any time except winter.
The above information provides a specific introduction to the cultivation experience of Crassula octopus (Cotyledon octopus), hoping you will like it!