Crassula columella originates from South Africa and grows to a height of around 15 centimetres. The lower leaves dry over time, which gives the succulent plant its peculiar appearance.
Location & temperature
Partial to full sun, at least 50 °C (10 °C) in winter.
Partial to full sun locations are ideal, Crassula columella is adapted to hot and dry habitats.
It can tolerate the blazing high summer sun. Crassula columella can spend the summer in the garden or on the balcony. However, it must be slowly acclimatized to unfiltered sunlight in spring.
Cool to temperate winter locations at 50 to 59 °F (10 to 15 °C) are recommended for the development of flowers. Overwintering at room temperature is also possible.
Soil
Mineral to semi-mineral on a base of pumice gravel, lava gravel.
In its natural habitat, Crassula columella grows on or between rocks. Its substrate should therefore be mineral and permeable.
I use pure pumice gravel and a mix of lava gravel, bird sand and peat-free herb soil.
Watering
Allow to dry out.
The substrate must be allowed to dry out or nearly dry out between waterings. Waterlogging is not tolerated. If there is water in the saucer for a few hours during the hot summer weeks, this is not considered waterlogging.
Keep almost dry in winter.
In winter, the soil should be kept as dry as possible. Now Crassula columella only receives an occasional sip of water.
If overwintered in a cool place, an excessively moist substrate can cause the roots to rot.
In warm locations, the Columnar Crassula should stop growing and not develop light-deficient shoots.
Feeding
Occasionally from spring to early fall.
Liquid fertilizer for succulents or houseplants (semi-concentrated) can be given every fourth to eighth week from spring to autumn.
As I want to keep Crassula columella small, I only fertilize in spring and water with aquarium water in summer.
Categories: Succulents | Crassulaceae |
