Crassula perforata is one of the most beautiful succulent plants you can have in your garden. But like other succulents, it has some special needs, and if you do not respect them, it will develop problems, and may eventually die. The common problems I see with mine crassulas is that the leaves and stems start wilting, and the plant eventually dies. But what causes this?
In my personal experience, root rot is the main reason why a Crassula Perforata plant dies. And the most common cause of root rot is over-watering. Pots without draining holes also contribute to this problem, because with a wrong pot the amount of water that would normally cause no issues to the plant may lead to its death. Succulents need water. We all know that. But we also know that too much of a good thing is a bad thing. This applies to both humans and plants. Let’s have a look at how you can save your beautiful crassula perforata from dying
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Propagate a new plant from what’s left healthy from the original one
When root rot is severe already, you may find it hard to save the original plant. With Crassula Perforata however, you can take the healthy cuttings from the damaged ones and start with these cuttings. You can easily propagate the new cuttings into a new plant. This is only possible though when you notice the problem before the rotting reaches certain state. In my experience, severe cases are impossible to revive. I had lost many of my succulents before due to the same problem.
But if you have those survival stems, you can start again, just like sometimes we can start again in life though everything seems ruined. Start by laying the healthy stems on the succulent soil. Expose the node in the soil and leave it for a couple of weeks. It is important to remember that during this period, you should refrain from watering it. Provide it with indirect bright light, but avoid direct sunlight.
Roots will start to form after a week or two
After a ten to twenty days, you should start seeing the formation of roots. Once the roots are established, you can start watering them, cautiously, with little amount of water. Just let the roots sip the amount of water they need. When you do it right, the cutting will develop new growth.
Enough water is just one of the needs. Succulents also need good aeration. Placing your Crassula outdoors is a good idea. In fact, I leave mine mostly outdoors. If you live in a place where winter comes, move your crassulas indoors for this period.
Crassula Perforata can go taller as it grows. The lower leaves will naturally become dry and crispy. If you want, you can trim this plant to the height that you want it to be. For most of us, “beheading” our beloved succulents is very painful, especially if you believe that plants can also feel what’s going on, and will find the procedure painful. But it’s not really that hard once you overcome your doubts. Pruning can actually help the plant look fresher, and it will eventually thank you with revived beauty.
Get a new pot or container for your crassula perforata
If over-watering has caused the problem with your plant, repotting can sometimes save it from dying. Get a fresh succulent soil mix too. It will allow the plant to enjoy the right soil mix and perhaps recuperate completely.
When saving a dying Crassula, it is important to give it not only fast-draining soil but also pot with a drainage hole. The hole allows the excessive water to leave the soil. The succulent takes just as much as it needs, and roots won’t start rotting in the water that isn’t really necessary in the pot anymore.
In this case though, I recommend using a small pot instead of the big one. The reason is simple: A small pot can only accommodate a certain amount of water. Less water actually helps the over-watered plant to recover, which is a pretty obvious thing I suppose.
Remove all dead leaves when saving your plant
Make sure that the roots of the plant touch the new soil to allow it to absorb the nutrients needed for recovery. You should also remove all the dead leaves. In some instances, I tend to cut the affected area usually a few inches higher from the soil line. This will work well if your Crassula still has some healthy roots remaining.
At this point, the plant needs light. Exposing it in bright indirect light will allow the plant to recover in a shorter time–which is undoubtedly your goal. It is also important to remember that during this entire process, the plant should not be fertilized. Bright sunshine is pretty much enough. Bring sunshine and a bit of water is all you need to propagate a new crassula from a dying one, as long as you have the right soil…
FAQ
Q: How do you care for Crassula Perforata?
A: The success starts from understanding the very nature of the plant. Crassula is not cold hardy. This means that it cannot tolerate cold temperatures, especially in winter. During the cold season, save this plant by moving it indoors. When outdoors, make sure it has access to direct sunlight for at least four to six hours a day.
Q: Can you propagate Crassula?
A: You can propagate Crassula using the leaves. Just be careful in twisting the leaves from the stem. Make sure that you get the whole leaf and nothing remains on the stem to make sure that the leaf will successfully grow into a new plant. Just lay the leaf on the succulent soil mix for several days to callous. Along the way, the roots will develop and the baby succulents will be ready to be planted.
Q: How often do you water Crassula?
A: Crassula hates overwatering. When watering, completely soak the soil and let it dry. Water again once the soil is dry. Also make sure to not water the leaves, just the soil.
Q: Where should you place Crassula plant?
A: Crassula can be placed both indoors and outdoors. According to Feng Shui, it can bring positive vibes and good energy when you have it in your office.
