Care of the succulent plant Crassula tetragona or Miniature Pine Tree |
The genus Crassula, family Crassulaceae, includes 600 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Crassula tetragona, Crassula perforata, Crassula muscosa, Crassula multicava, Crassula marnierana, Crassula falcata, Crassula capitella, Crassula Buddha's Temple (cultivar), Crassula arborescens, Crassula ovata, Crassula arta, Crassula radicans, Crassula corymbulosa, Crassula Coralita, Crassula picturata. Common names: Mini pine tree, Miniature Pine Tree. This species is native to South-western Cape mountains, South Africa. They are succulent plants with an erect shrubby habit that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The characteristic cylindrical leaves ending in points and of an intense green color resemble those of pines. The white flowers appear in clusters that turn orange when they wither. They bloom in spring. Miniature Pine Tree is used for growing in pots; planted in the ground it can become invasive. Crassula tetragona is an easy-to-grow plant that needs full sun or partial shade exposures. It resists occasional and mild frosts. Mini pine tree can grow in any slightly fertile and very well drained soil. Water moderately, letting the soil settle completely; almost no watering in winter. It resists drought very well. Prune dead flowers and dried stems. Fertilize once a year in spring with compost. Crassula tetragona is a plant resistant to pests and garden diseases, but it fears excess watering. Miniature Pine Tree propagates by seeds sown in spring or by stem or leaf cuttings in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Crassula tetragona or Miniature Pine Tree |