Classification and Care Methods of Common Crassulaceae Succulent Plants
Today, we bring you experiences with succulent plants, focusing on the classification and care methods of common Crassulaceae succulents. The details are as follows:
Crassulaceae plants come in a variety of species, with unique shapes and rich colors. Their growth and dormancy stages exhibit significant changes in plant form, making them popular among enthusiasts. In recent years, the widespread availability of the internet has broadened our horizons, and many rare, unique, and new varieties have been introduced in China, enriching the variety of Crassulaceae plants.
Here is a rough introduction to the classification and care methods of the more familiar Crassulaceae:
1. Adromischus (Chubby Chicks)
Most people like to call the plants in this genus "Chubby Chicks." They grow slowly and have a low reproductive rate, which is why the prices of Chubby Chicks in this genus have always been high. Their unique leaves are the highlight, with shapes such as round, spindle-shaped, oval, flat, and crinkled; their colors are also rich, including white, silver, blue, green, yellow, red, purple, and mosaic.
Growing Season: From September to the following May. Management is not difficult; water the soil after it dries and see water flow from the bottom of the pot. Fertilize with a thin solution about once every three months, preferably liquid fertilizer.
Dormant Season: The difficulty in managing Chubby Chicks during the summer lies in providing good ventilation and avoiding rain. Water the surface of the soil every 2-3 weeks during the summer, and use shading nets with a 60% shading rate on south-facing balconies to ensure safe summering. I once tried placing Chubby Chicks outdoors in full sun during the summer and encountered no problems during 1-2 rainy days. However, during prolonged rainy periods, they all rotted.
Propagation: Use leaf cuttings during the growing season. Place healthy, thick leaves on slightly moist soil with a dry surface, and new shoots and roots will appear in about a month. Water can be applied at this point. Seed propagation can also be used, which has the advantage of large-scale reproduction but the disadvantage of low germination rates and slow growth.
This genus is suitable for making small or miniature mixed pots. Their unique shapes and colors can add a touch of brilliance. Ordinary Chubby Chicks can be used as auxiliary varieties in large mixed pots.
2. Aeonium (Aeonium)
This genus is characterized by strong, upright stems and large leaves. They are among the largest types in the Crassulaceae family. During the growing season, the leaves spread out around the plant, resembling a lotus seat, hence the name "Aeonium."
Growing Season: When the temperature drops below 30 degrees Celsius, the plant enters a period of vigorous growth. At this time, repotting and transplantation can be performed. Since this genus likes fertilizer, solid base fertilizer can be placed at the bottom of the pot. Water the soil promptly after it dries during the growing season, and apply a thin liquid fertilizer 1-2 times during the growing season. They prefer strong light and should be cared for under full sun. The plant's characteristics are fully displayed in winter.
Dormant Season: Aeoniums do not have a distinct dormant period in the summer, and they will continue to grow slowly. Therefore, watering is still necessary, but the amount should be less than during the growing season. Shading of 60% is required during the summer, and prolonged exposure to rain should be avoided.
Propagation Method: Cut side branches for cutting propagation, inserting them 2-3 cm into the soil. The soil should contain a certain amount of moisture, and new roots will grow in 1-2 weeks. Leaf cuttings are very difficult for this genus, and I have tried many times without success. Seeds can also be sown, with a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.
Due to their tall characteristics, Aeoniums are suitable for making upright mixed pots. Dwarf varieties of Sedum, Orpine, and Perennial Green can be arranged at the bottom.
3. Aichryson (Aichryson)
This genus does not have a specific and suitable Chinese name. It prefers to grow in clusters, with soft stems and compact plant forms. The leaves are fan-shaped and peach-shaped.
During the summer semi-dormant period, the plant can still grow but requires controlled watering.
Propagation Method: Cut branches and dry them for one day before cutting during the growing season. This genus grows quickly, and the blooming period is spectacular, with the entire plant covered in flowers.
It is suitable as a secondary theme or supporting role in mixed pots, with 1-2 branches being enough.
4. Bryophyllum (Bryophyllum)
The reason for this Chinese name is unknown to me, so let's temporarily call it Bryophyllum.
I have not cultivated plants in this genus, but from the collected information, its propagation method is similar to that of the "Immortal Bird" in the Kalanchoe genus. The tips of each leaf's veins have reproductive organs that grow complete seedlings with roots. The seedlings naturally detach from the mother plant after growing to two pairs of leaves and take root when they fall to the ground. In the past, I always thought it was an Immortal Bird, but after careful observation and research, I concluded that Bryophyllum has broad leaves and a shorter plant form.
Propagation Method: The most convenient method is to plant the fallen seedlings, which allows for extremely fast reproduction without the need for other methods.
Even without mixed pots, it can achieve the effect of a diverse plant arrangement. As the plants grow taller, the fallen seedlings can be densely planted in the pot, and decorative stones can be added to create an excellent effect.
5. Cotyledon (Cotyledon)
The leaves of this genus grow upward, and lateral buds can grow at each leaf node. Although they belong to the same genus, the leaves of each variety vary greatly, including large oblong, fan-shaped, curly-edged, spindle-shaped, and spiky.
During the summer semi-dormant period, growth is slow in high temperatures and strong sunlight. Appropriate shading is required, but the new leaves are particularly beautiful during this time. Watering frequency should be controlled, and if outdoor care is possible, a transparent canopy (glass, plastic film, or sunboard) with a top is the best choice.
Growing Season: By September, when the temperature drops below 30 degrees Celsius, the plant can gradually transition to normal management. When the temperature drops below 25 degrees Celsius, normal management can be implemented. At this time, repotting and fertilization can be performed. The soil for planting should contain 60% particle soil, and a thin liquid fertilizer can be applied 1-2 times during the growing season. Watering should only be done when the soil is dry, and it must be thorough (see water flowing from the bottom of the pot).
Propagation Method: Cut branches for cutting propagation. The success rate of leaf cuttings is low, and seed propagation can also be used, but the seedlings grow slowly.
This genus is suitable for planting alone, accompanied by a piece of dead wood or a unique stone.
Representative Variety: Bear's Paw
6. Crassula (Crassula)
The plant forms of this genus are even more unique and varied.
It is not possible to introduce all the plant forms here, as each variety has its own characteristics, which are difficult to describe one by one. However, the flowers of this genus are roughly similar, with bundled flower stems that grow upright, with continuous flowering at the top. The flowers are small, mostly around 0.5 cm, cup-shaped, and come in various colors. Most of the time, the plant forms are appreciated, and the blooming period is mostly in spring and summer, with a blooming period worth praising!
Summer: Semi-dormant, mainly for flowering and seed production, with slow growth. Watering should be controlled, and appropriate shading is required.
Growing Season: From September to the following May. After planting, repotting and pruning old and dead roots should be done promptly. A small amount of solid base fertilizer can be placed at the bottom of the pot. Since the plants in this genus are small and grow slowly, they do not require much fertilizer. The role of base fertilizer is to store energy for flowering in the next season (referring to small varieties, large varieties can be ignored). During the growing season, full sun is preferred. Do not worry about the plants being sunburned; sufficient sunlight can control leggy growth and fully showcase the beautiful colors.
Propagation: Cutting propagation can be used. Healthy side branches can be cut and dried for a day before cutting during the growing season. For slow-growing varieties, seed propagation can also be used. The advantage is large-scale reproduction, but patience and technique are required. The method can refer to the sowing method of Lithops, with post-sowing management being more convenient and extensive than that of Lithops.
This genus is very suitable for mixed pot arrangements. Its characteristics are dwarf and clumping, with many small varieties looking great in pots, creating a feeling of being irresistible.
Representative Varieties: Hoshizuna, Susanoo, Fire Festival, Qianzhitower, Jadesprout, Tuberous Flower Moon, Child Pose, Ba, God Knife, Laoqianhui
7. Dudleya (Dudleya)
The highlight of Dudleya is the overall plant shape, with the wild old tree shape in the original habitat making people feel like encountering a fairy. An ethereal woman in the withered wood forest, with her arms spread wide and her clothes fluttering, seems about to fly into the sky. Therefore, the Chinese name is called "Fairy Cup."
The leaves resemble those of the common Aloe genus but without serrated edges. The shapes include slender, broad-leaved, and thick-leaved, with a layer of silvery powder on the surface. Large varieties can grow to a diameter of more than 40 cm. There are not many varieties in this genus, with only about 6 original species.
Dormant Season: Complete dormancy during the summer. To prevent the plant from drying up during the summer, water once every 2-3 weeks, with shading of 50-60%. If placed outdoors, it should not be exposed to rain, otherwise the clean silver leaf surface will become dirty.
Growing Season: In September, most regions in my country are below 30 degrees Celsius, and the plant begins a new growing season. Normal management can be performed. Dudleya is a large Crassulaceae plant, with strong growth during the growing season, so it likes fertilizer. Make sure to add enough solid decomposed fertilizer to the pot during potting, and apply 3-4 thin fertilizations during the growing season. If possible, full sun care is preferred, as this will result in compact and white leaves.
Propagation Method: The best method of propagation is sowing. Sow when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius. Dudleya has a large seed propagation capacity and can be scaled up, with seedlings growing quickly. The prerequisite is whether you can obtain enough fresh seeds. During the growing season, lateral buds can be cut from the old plant for cutting propagation, with roots growing quickly, usually in about a week. Leaf cuttings are not suitable for Dudleya, and I have tried many times without success. If there are friends who have succeeded, please share your leaf cutting experiences.
Precautions: After watering, pay attention to promptly shake off water droplets on the leaf surface or absorb them with a napkin. Be especially careful of water accumulation near the growing points of the plant, as prolonged accumulation of water can cause the loss of silver powder and the formation of unsightly water stains on the leaf surface, affecting the aesthetic value.
This genus is currently expensive and is best planted individually. Its plant form is not suitable for mixed pot planting, except for small, fine-leaved varieties.
8. Echeveria (Echeveria)
Echeveria is the most worthy of recommendation and collection among the Crassulaceae. It is currently very popular in China, with prices rising daily, similar to the feeling of speculating on the Raphis philippinensis in 2010-11.
The leaves and stems of this genus are fleshy, and the plant forms are like flowers growing outward from the center. The flower stems grow from between the top leaves, long like the fishing rod of Jiang Tai Gong. Initially, it was thought to be lateral buds, but the true lateral buds grow from the middle and upper parts of the plant, with old plants also producing lateral buds from the bottom. The leaves are thick.
Summer: Dormancy is not obvious, and growth is slow. Watering should not be interrupted during this period, with watering once every 1-2 weeks.
Growing Season: Watering should also be controlled during the growing season. In environments with poor ventilation, watering should not be too frequent. Otherwise, it is easy for the plants to become leggy, with loose leaves and an unsightly appearance. When potting, appropriate base fertilizer can be added. Apply 1-2 thin liquid fertilizations during the growing season. When watering in environments with poor ventilation, be careful to avoid getting water on the plants, as water droplets can cause water stains.
Propagation Method: Use lateral bud cutting propagation, which is fast and has a high survival rate. Since most varieties of this genus produce a small number of lateral buds, cutting propagation is obviously slow. Leaf cutting can also be used, which is the best propagation method for this genus. During the growing season, place healthy, thick leaves flat on a dry seedbed, and new growth points will appear in about half a month. After roots appear, watering can be performed to promote rapid growth. Sowing is also a good method, with a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius for sowing. The method can refer to the sowing steps of Lithops.
There are many representative varieties of Echeveria, such as Dongyun, Snow Lotus, Jiwalian, Jingye, Mo's Echeveria, and Maroon Red.
This genus can be used as the main subject in mixed pots, placed in the center of the pot to stabilize the arrangement.
9. Graptopetalum (Graptopetalum)
The flowers of this genus are relatively unique, with a thin five-pointed star shape and petals that gradually change from red to white, very cute. This is also the basic characteristic of this genus. The shapes of the leaves are diverse, including thick leaves, spindle-shaped, flat leaves, pointed leaves, and peach-shaped leaves. They prefer to grow in clusters, and the flowering period is spectacular with full pots of flower stems. This genus is a small to medium-sized variety, with a single plant growing into a full pot in just one year.
Propagation Method: Use branch cutting propagation during the growing season, or leaf cutting, with easy root growth.
Most of the varieties in this genus are not expensive and are very suitable for mixed pots. They can be used as a connection between themes, and individual larger varieties can also be used as the main subject. Due to their tendency to produce lateral buds, appropriate pruning and shaping are required during the care process.
10. Graptoviria (Hybrid)
This is a strange Chinese name, "Hybrid." From the characteristics of the plants in this genus, the leaf shape and plant form are very similar to those of Echeveria and Graptopetalum, but the unique flowers distinguish them from these two genera.
Propagation Method: This genus is suitable for leaf cutting propagation during the spring and autumn growing seasons. If you have confidence in sowing, you can also try it.
Hybrid has a medium-sized plant form and is very suitable for mixed pots. Old plants can be used to create individual bonsai.
11. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe)
The varieties in this genus are particularly cute, with numerous species, diverse plant forms, rich colors, and varying growth and propagation methods. For example, "Immortal Bird K.Hybrida," "Double Flying Butterfly K.synsepala," and "Fairy Dance K.orgyalis" are all interesting. When seedlings fall and take root, they can cover the entire pot, creating a very cute scene. Frankly speaking, the flowers of this genus are not worth admiring.
Propagation Method: Due to the unique nature of the varieties, the propagation methods also vary. There are mainly the following methods: seedling falling, cutting the top of the stem, leaf cutting, and seed sowing.
12. Monanthes (Monanthes)
This genus has only recently become popular in China. The earliest introduction was the Round Leaf Monanthes, and now there are 6 varieties available in the market. I have written two articles about Monanthes. The care during the growing season is simple; water immediately after the soil dries, even if the water is excessive. It is not cold-resistant in winter, stopping growth below 5 degrees Celsius and being susceptible to frost damage and rotting at near-zero temperatures. During the summer dormant period, a good ventilation environment is required, otherwise, rotting can occur. The reasons for poor care are the above two points.
Propagation Method: This genus has strong reproductive ability, with numerous lateral buds growing during the growing season. Simply cutting healthy lateral branches for cutting propagation can ensure survival, and cutting propagation can be done again in the same season. Interestingly, although the leaves of Monanthes are small, accidentally fallen leaves can also be cut and survive, but growing them into mature plants is slow, so cutting branches is faster and more convenient. As for sowing, I feel that the germination rate of seeds is very low.
This genus is a small-leaf variety, very suitable for arranging in bonsai.
13. Orostachys (Orostachys)
This genus grows in places such as the Gobi Desert, Siberia, Mongolia, China, and the northern islands of Japan. There are few hybrids.
14. Sempervivum (Sempervivum