How to Care for and Cultivate Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens

The leaves of Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens are flat, elongated oval-shaped, covered with fine short white hairs. The fuzzy leaves resemble rabbit ears, and in summer or low light conditions, the leaves may turn green. Most of the time, they exhibit a dreamy red and black-purple color. Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens stems are short, easily forming clusters. In European and American countries, it's even used as a ground cover plant, indicating its ease of cultivation. However, being a winter-type species, it still requires attention during the summer months.


Environmental Requirements:
Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens, a succulent plant, prefers sunny and cool, dry environments, tolerating partial shade but avoiding waterlogging and humid conditions.

Soil:
Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens requires well-draining soil, typically a mix of coal slag, peat moss, and a small amount of perlite in a ratio of approximately 5:4:1.

Watering:
Excessive moisture can cause Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens to rot. It's typically watered every 10 days, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Adjust watering frequency based on seasonal climate differences in different regions.

Light:
Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens thrives in sunny environments. Insufficient light may cause elongation of the plant and a change in leaf color from purple-red to green. Ensure the plant is placed in a well-lit, well-ventilated area.

Summer Care:
During hot summers, growth may slow or stop entirely. Provide good ventilation, partial shading, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Control watering to prevent rotting due to excessive humidity or rainfall.

Winter Care:
Generally, water should be withheld throughout winter, gradually reducing watering when temperatures drop below 5°C. Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens can tolerate temperatures down to around -4°C indoors, but outdoor exposure at lower temperatures can lead to frost damage and subsequent regrowth from wilted areas in the following year.

Temperature:
Crassula pubescens ssp. pubescens growth stops or slows significantly below 5°C, and freezing temperatures below 0°C can cause cell damage. During excessively high (above 35°C) or low temperatures, growth halts, and watering should be temporarily reduced or stopped until temperatures become suitable. Adequate ventilation is crucial during hot summers to prevent sunburn.

Pruning:
Trim away dry, dead leaves promptly to prevent bacterial growth. To control excessive growth or height, prune the top branches. These can be propagated by rooting in sandy, slightly moist soil. The stem base and branches can sprout new lateral buds.

Fertilization:
Avoid excessive fertilization, especially nitrogen-based fertilizers, as they can cause elongation and loss of leaf color. Apply a phosphorus-potassium-based fertilizer every month during the growing season, typically every 20 days.

Propagation Methods:
Leaf cuttings are commonly used for propagation. Place mature, healthy leaves flat on moist sand, with the leaf surface facing up and the back facing down. After about 10 days, small leaf clusters and new roots will emerge from the leaf base. Plant these roots into soil, expose them to sunlight gradually, and water them appropriately to grow into healthy new plants. Additionally, propagation can be done through division or seeding.