Crassula perfoliata var. falcata | Propeller plant
€7,95
🌱 Morphology
Propeller plant. A perennial succulent with an erect, branching habit that can form robust, partially woody stems with age. The leaves are arranged oppositely and decussately, partially clasping the stem at their base.
They are thick, fleshy, and clearly falcate, meaning curved like a sickle. They have a glaucous green or greyish-green color and are covered by numerous small rounded papillae that provide a characteristic texture. Small purple spots may appear on some plants.
The leaf arrangement, facing and curved in opposite directions, creates the appearance of a propeller or airplane blades, which accounts for some of its common names.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Crassulaceae. It is native to South Africa, mainly from the Eastern Cape, where it appears in Valley Bushveld environments and dry river valleys, associated with rocky and well-drained terrain.
From a nomenclatural point of view, Crassula falcata J.C.Wendl. is a name used extensively throughout history and is still extremely common in horticulture, but Kew currently treats it as a synonym for Crassula perfoliata var. falcata.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 9b–11b.
It tolerates relatively low temperatures if kept dry and with perfectly drained roots. Its resistance decreases considerably when low temperatures and damp substrate coincide for prolonged periods.
☀️ Lighting
Intense lighting is recommended, with a target of 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR during the growth period.
High light levels promote a compact habit, maintain the glaucous coloration, and accentuate the reddish or purple hues that can appear in situations of high radiation and some water restriction.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Opportunistic. Its origin in the Eastern Cape, with its Valley Bushveld environments and dry valleys, means that it is not appropriate to impose a rigid summer dormancy.
Under cultivation conditions, it can remain active for much of the year when temperatures are moderate. During the active phase, it is recommended to water abundantly and let the substrate dry out completely before watering again.
When temperatures are very high and the plant slows its growth, the frequency of watering should be reduced. It should also be reduced during cold periods if the plant is inactive.
The fundamental guide should always be the combination of temperature + actual growth + substrate drying speed, avoiding having the roots remain damp for prolonged periods.
🌸 Flowering
Flowering is one of the great attractions of this plant. It produces a terminal inflorescence in the shape of a thyrse, raised above the foliage and formed by numerous groups of flowers.
The flowers are tubular at the base and open to form a small star. In the typical form, they are generally red or intense red, although there are also plants with pink and, more rarely, white flowers. The corolla reaches approximately 7 mm in length.
In Madrid, flowering occurs approximately from January to March, although the exact timing will depend on temperatures and cultivation practices.
🌿 Nutrition
Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied during the active growth period.
Before the emergence of the inflorescence, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering, especially in adult specimens intended for abundant flowering.
This is an inimitable xerophytic plant cultivated in Madrid in a high-tech square pot, with its substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.
📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:
S -> 9cm x 9cm
M-> 14cm x 14 cm
L-> 16cm x 16 cm
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The plant measurements are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living thing! 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.
