Crassula perfoliata 'Borracha' | Airplane plant
€7,95
🌱 Morphology
'Borracha' is a trade name used for a form of Crassula perfoliata, a shrubby succulent with an upright habit. It develops fleshy and progressively woody stems, which can branch and exceed 50 cm in height in mature specimens. The leaves are opposite and decussate, thick, fleshy, and partially fused at their base to the stem. They have a triangular to lanceolate and slightly curved shape, with a grayish-green to intense green surface and a somewhat rough texture. The plant acquires a particularly compact appearance when it receives high light intensity.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Crassulaceae. The trade name ‘Borracha’ is associated in nurseries with Crassula perfoliata, but there is insufficient documentation to consider it a botanically established cultivar. C. perfoliata is a South African species whose distribution includes the Cape provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and other areas of southern Africa. The variety var. perfoliata, to which this identification is closely related, is especially associated with the Eastern Cape. It grows in dry, rocky environments, generally with good drainage.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 9b–11b. It tolerates moderate temperature drops when completely dry and well-acclimated, but the combination of low temperatures and persistent moisture in the substrate should be avoided. Actual resistance depends on the specimen, its origin, and its water status.
☀️ Lighting
Intense lighting is recommended, with a target of 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR. It tolerates direct sun after progressive acclimation. Insufficient radiation produces longer stems, more spaced leaves, and a less compact plant. High light intensity also favors the expression of reddish tones on stems and margins when environmental conditions are suitable.
💧 Growth cycle and irrigation
As it belongs to C. perfoliata, a species distributed in eastern and southern Africa, the summer dormancy pattern typical of Western Crassula species from the Succulent Karoo should not be applied automatically. Its growth is favored during periods of mild temperatures, and it can remain active for a good part of the year if conditions are suitable. During the active phase, abundant watering is recommended, followed by a complete drying of the substrate. At very high or low temperatures, the frequency should be considerably reduced, avoiding keeping the roots moist for prolonged periods.
🌸 Flowering
It produces a branched terminal inflorescence, supported by a clearly developed peduncle. The flowers are small, tubular, and of reddish, pink to deep red tones, depending on the form. Flowering occurs when the specimens reach sufficient maturity and receive good lighting. In Mediterranean cultivation, it can be concentrated between late winter and spring, although the date may vary depending on temperature and photoperiod.
🌿 Nutrition
Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended during the active growth period. Before the formation of the inflorescences, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering, avoiding an excess of nitrogen that favors growth that is too soft.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi
9x9 cm pot
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but this can also vary slightly because, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
