Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata Care: Easy Indoor Plant for the Home
The Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata Care is a beautiful houseplant that is perfect for anyone looking to add color and life indoors. It can be grown in low light, has variegated leaves, and requires little maintenance. We aim to provide you with all of the information they need to know about this plant from its origins, care instructions, and how to propagate it.
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- Origin and common name
- Appearance
- Lighting Requirements
- Can Arborescens grow in artificial lighting?
- Watering Requirements
- Temperature Requirements
- Humidity Requirements
- Soil Conditions
- Fertilizer
- Repotting
- Potting Mix
- Pruning
- How does this plant propagate?
- Common Problems
- What are Aphids?
- Getting Rid of Aphids
- What are root mealybugs?
- Is Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata Poisonous?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion:
Origin and common name
This plant is native to South Africa and the Western Cape Province. The name for this species comes from a Greek word, crassula which means thick or fat. The Latinized form of that was used as the genus name Crassula because it refers to plants with fleshy leaves like these ones!
It is a cultivar of the Crassula ovata and has been given its common name due to variegated leaves that have blue and white stripes in addition to green, pinkish or red spots on them.
Appearance
This plant produces small flowers that are pinkish, white, or red in color. It is a succulent plant with rosettes of thick leaves and will typically grow to about 12-15 inches tall.
Lighting Requirements
This plant is grown primarily indoors and does well in low light. It can tolerate very bright lights, but it prefers warmer temperatures so an east or west window should be best for this houseplant.
Can Arborescens grow in artificial lighting?
Yes. In fact, it is perfect for those who have spotty sunlight or cannot maintain a natural garden due to allergies and other reasons. The plant will thrive with indirect light from an east-facing window that receives morning sun and filtered afternoon light.
Watering Requirements
The Blue Bird Variegata does not need to be watered very often. In the summer, it can go up to a month without water, and in cooler months it is recommended that you only water once every two weeks or so as well.
Temperature Requirements
These plants like warm conditions because they are, after all, tropical plants. The ideal temperature is between 65-86°F (18-30°C) and night temperatures that are between 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Humidity Requirements
This plant does not require a lot of humidity and can do well in dry conditions. It is best to keep the relative air moisture below 40% to 50%. If you are growing it indoors and there is high humidity, you just might want to place it in a more dryer location.
Soil Conditions
The Crassula Arborescens does not require any special soil. It will do well in a potting mix of two parts peat moss and one part perlite or pumice, both of which are typically found at your local garden center.
Fertilizer
You should fertilize this plant monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer. You can also use slow-release pellets in the pot every six months to help lengthen its life and keep it healthy.
Repotting
This plant likes to be rootbound so you don’t have to repot often. If it starts to outgrow its pot, just use a standard potting mix and make sure to cut off any rooting roots. Early spring is the best time to repot your plant.
Potting Mix
This houseplant is best grown in a potting mix that has plenty of sand and compost materials. It should be watered often enough to keep its roots moist but not wet because it does not like being waterlogged.
Pruning
The Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata should be pruned just once a year in late winter or early spring. If you want to shape it, make sure the cuts are shallow and use sharp tools so that they don’t leave scars on this plant.
How does this plant propagate?
You can propagate this plant by taking cuttings! Cut the stem from about a half-inch to an inch above its rosette. Dip it in rooting hormone and stick it into potting mix or perlite. Keep them moist until they root, which will usually take between four and six weeks! You should also make sure to give them plenty of light while they are developing roots.
Common Problems
This plant can be susceptible to root rot or pests like aphids if it gets too much direct light or not enough water, so make sure you never let this happen! There are also some other common problems with this plant that you should be mindful of, such as mealybugs, and aphids.
What are Aphids?
Aphids are an insect that feeds on plants. They can cause distress to your plant by sucking the sap or honeydew from it! These insects can also transmit viruses, as well as some bacteria and other parasites.
Getting Rid of Aphids
If your plant gets aphids, you will need to wash the plant off under running water and then put a couple of drops of dish soap in the rinse. You should also spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil as well.
What are root mealybugs?
These bugs usually attack the roots and can cause them to rot. Maintaining healthy soil is your best defense against these little guys because they don’t like it too wet or too dry.
Is Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata Poisonous?
No, Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata is not considered poisonous. It does contain a mildly toxic substance (phytohaemagglutinins) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities, but it is unlikely to be harmful when consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal watering frequency for Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata Care?
A: You should water this plant when it becomes dry to the touch, but do not overwater or leave your pot sitting in stagnant water. Make sure that you use room temperature or lukewarm water and avoid cold drafts as well because these can cause root rot on your houseplant.
Q: How long does it take for my new plants to grow their roots back?
A: This will usually happen within about two weeks from transplanting them into soil. If they have been knocked around too much then wait at least three months before replanting them again.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Crassula?
A: This plant doesn’t need to be fed too much, but it can also help with growth and blooming if you decide to use a general-purpose fertilizer at about one-quarter the recommended strength.
Conclusion:
Now you know how to take care of Crassula Arborescens Blue Bird Variegata. This plant can live well inside in the home environment and it’s a great option for your décor.
