How to Care for and Cultivate 'ZIGUANG'

Ziguang succulent, a member of the Crassulaceae family and the genus Crassula, is a small and charming plant native to Africa. Known for its compact growth habit, it is easy to branch and develop into a woody structure over time. Its fleshy, ovate-triangular leaves are paired oppositely. The back of the leaf is smooth and flat, while the front is slightly convex. The leaf backs are rounded and slightly arched, tapering into a blunt triangular tip with no distinct point. The entire plant has a smooth surface without a white powdery coating. Under normal conditions, its leaves are green, but in autumn and winter, when exposed to ample sunlight, they turn a lovely reddish-purple hue. Ziguang produces star-shaped, milky-white flowers, and it is believed to be a hybrid or mutation derived from Crassula elegans.


Rarity and Challenges
Ziguang succulents are not commonly found among popular succulents and are rare in the market. Many enthusiasts go to great lengths to acquire one, only to find it challenging to cultivate it into an ideal form.
Cultivation and Coloration
Sunlight and Color: Ziguang leaves become more purple under full sunlight, whereas in diffused light, they appear green with less obvious purple hues. Flowers typically bloom under bright sunlight. In prolonged diffused light conditions, the plant remains green, which can be a challenge for achieving its vibrant purple appearance.
Growing Seasons: Spring and autumn are its primary growing seasons, during which it can tolerate full sun, resulting in the most beautiful purple leaves. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves, detracting from its ornamental appeal.
Summer Sensitivity: Due to its delicate stems and leaves, Ziguang is highly sensitive to heat. When summer temperatures exceed 32°C (89.6°F), shading is necessary to prevent its leaves from scorching.
Basic Care Tips
Pot and Soil: Start with a small, porous terracotta pot to plant Ziguang while it’s young. Once its canopy outgrows the pot, transfer it to a slightly larger pot. This supports growth and simplifies maintenance. During repotting, root pruning is unnecessary; simply clean the fine roots, replant in dry soil, and place in a shady, well-ventilated area. Water thoroughly after 5–7 days or allow it to be naturally rained on. It will quickly adapt and grow new roots.
Soil Mix: As a small succulent, Ziguang doesn’t tolerate highly granular soil. Ensure the soil mixture contains 50–70% granular material with particle sizes no larger than 5mm. Excessively granular soil slows root development, causing drooping leaves and unstable stems.
Watering: Ziguang has a relatively high water demand. Check the bottom leaves; if they feel soft, the plant needs thorough watering. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight when the leaves are plump, as this may cause cracks that cannot heal. During its growth phase, maintain moist soil without waterlogging. Overdry conditions may halt growth and yellow the leaves.
Frequency: Water every 2–3 days in spring and summer. In rainy seasons or high-humidity environments, reduce watering and enhance ventilation to avoid root rot.
Seasonal Care:
Summer: Ziguang enters mild dormancy in summer and requires reduced watering—at least once every 10 days around the edge of the pot, preferably in cooler evening temperatures. Avoid letting its lower leaves dry out completely to prevent damage to the roots.
Winter: When temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F) or below, gradually stop watering. Keep the plant in a frost-free environment to ensure safe overwintering.
Advanced Cultivation
Ziguang succulents thrive when you balance care with its unique growth habits:
Light Management: Place Ziguang outdoors in spring and autumn for full sunlight exposure. In summer, move it to shaded areas. For winter, keep it indoors with sufficient light.
Fertilization: Use specialized succulent fertilizer monthly during the growing season to promote robust growth.
Pest and Disease Prevention: Common pests like aphids and red spiders can be treated with soapy water or alcohol sprays. Remove diseased leaves promptly to prevent infection.
Propagation
Ziguang succulents can be propagated through seed sowing or division:
Seed Sowing: Scatter seeds on the soil surface, lightly cover with soil, and keep the medium moist.
Division: Cut mature plants at the base and plant individual segments, each capable of growing into a new plant.