Krasula is a popular indoor flower that most people know as a money tree. The plant was so named because of the shape of the leaves, resembling coins. But not so long ago, a no less interesting and attractive variety appeared - Crassula the Hobbit.
Crassula Ovata The Hobbit
An extensive family of Crassulaceae replenished with a new species of Hobbit Crassul in the middle of the last century. The flower is attractive not only for its easy care, but also for its unusual appearance.
Crassula The Hobbit - Unusual Succulent
Description
A feature of the plant is the unusual shape of the leaves. Unlike ordinary crassula, they are not rounded, but elongated. The edge of the leaf plate resembles a funnel, which is framed by a thin reddish border.
In shape, the flower resembles a small tree with fleshy and powerful stems and juicy green leaves. In older specimens, the trunk may partially numb. The flowers of Crassula are inconspicuous, small and have a pale pink tint. In indoor conditions, they appear very rarely.
Origin history
Crassula Hobbit (crassula ovata hobbit) appeared due to the work of American breeders in the 70s of the last century. By crossing varieties of Ovata and Molochnaya, a new interesting species was obtained. The name of the flower was due to the publication of Tolkien's work “The Lord of the Rings”.
In the course of the crossing experiment, another species was obtained - Crassula gollum. Externally, the plants are similar, but the shape of the leaves is different. At Crassula the Hobbit, the leaves are funnel-shaped, fused only at the base, and at the Crassula Gollum they are fused along the entire length and extended to the edge. There is an even later appearance that looks similar to both of the above - Crassula Coral.
Crassula Gollum is very similar to the Hobbit variety
Home Care
Crassula The Hobbit is unpretentious, like all succulents. Even insufficient moisture, scarce watering and the absence of top dressing do not prevent this plant from growing. But in order for the flower to fully develop, some requirements should still be observed.
| Lighting | Lighting should be diffuse, but with high daylight hours. Direct sunlight should be avoided. Permissible slight shading in the winter. |
| Temperature mode | In the spring-summer period, the optimum temperature indicators are + 17 ... +20 ° С. In winter, it is better to lower the values to + 14 ... +16 ° С with a difference between day and night temperatures of 2-3 ° С. |
| Watering schedule | The soil should be moistened moderately and regularly, as the soil dries by 2-3 cm. In winter, watering is reduced to 1-2 times per month. |
| Air humidity | Optimum humidity indicators are 60-70%, but the plant feels comfortable and at lower air humidity. |
| Top dressing | There is no particular need for top dressing, but as the flower grows and the soil is depleted, fertilizers should be periodically applied. Use only special compositions for succulents. |
| Soil composition | It is best to use a ready-made substrate for succulents. If the mixture is prepared independently, then the composition must necessarily be broken brick or small expanded clay. |
| Pot size | The root system of the flower is not very developed and quite superficial. Suitable capacity of small diameter and medium depth. |
Attention! Crassula tolerates a short drought better than waterlogging, so it should not be watered too often.
The Fat Hobbit is especially suitable for beginner growers. Even if there is not much experience in growing plants, there will definitely not be a problem with this flower.
Crassula - a very unpretentious flower
Transplant Features
Given the rather slow development of the rosula root system, it does not need a frequent transplant. It is enough to replace the soil and pot once every 2-3 years.
Procedure step by step:
- 2-3 days before transplanting, the flower is watered.
- Extract the plant by transshipment, holding it by the trunk.
- At the bottom of the tank pour a drainage layer, which should occupy ¼ of its volume.
- Pour prepared soil into the pot.
- Carefully place the plant in the center of the container.
- Supplement the pot with the remaining soil and water it.
- After soil subsidence, add soil to the edge of the tank.
Attention! All manipulations with the flower are carried out carefully, as there is a risk of accidentally breaking off the leaves.
Although Crassula does not need frequent transplants, replacing the soil in any case will do her good. The flower quickly takes root in a new container and begins to intensively increase its vegetative mass.
Flowering and dormancy
Crassula the Hobbit at home blooms very rarely and nondescriptly. But in winter, the plant still needs a dormant period. To do this, the flower needs to create conditions for the transition and stay in it until spring.
Crassula flowers are small and inconspicuous
At the end of autumn, the average daily temperature is lowered to + 14 ... +16 ° C and the frequency of watering is gradually reduced. Top dressing cease to be introduced in October. If at home the flower stands on the south window, then in winter it is better to move it to a less lit place. With the onset of spring, they gradually switch to the standard regime of care.
Breeding
The simplicity of growing Crassula not only concerns care, but also reproduction. The plant is easily and quickly rooted by leaf and stem cuttings. You can grow a flower from seeds, but this is a laborious and long process, which gardeners rarely resort to.
Cuttings root directly in the soil without holding them in water. Sometimes planting is carried out in the same pot where an adult plant grows. There is no need to create greenhouse conditions. It is only necessary to monitor the moisture of the soil, but at the same time to prevent its overmoistening.
Young seedlings take root quickly
Possible growing problems
Diseases and pests affect the crassula quite rarely. More often the flower suffers from improper care, especially from non-compliance with the irrigation regime. Excessive waterlogging of the soil can lead to the development of root rot and stem.
Attention! In addition to the irrigation schedule, the correct composition of the soil plays an important role - it must pass water well. When choosing a pot, you should pay attention to the presence of a sufficient number of drainage holes.
A flower can become ill only by infection from other plants. At the first signs of a deterioration in appearance, the flower should be treated with special means or alternative methods should be used.
Crassula The Hobbit is an unusual plant that does not require a lot of attention. It’s easy to care for a flower, so even a beginner grower can grow it.
