Crassula Arborescens Undulatifolia Care: How to Take Care of Your Houseplant
When it comes to houseplants, Crassula Arborescens Undulatifolia, also known as “Ripple Jade,” is one of the most popular. This plant has many benefits, including being easy to take care of and requiring little maintenance. It is a succulent plant that grows throughout the Southern hemisphere.
Its leaves are thick and fleshy, which makes them perfect for dealing with drought conditions. The shape of its leaves also gives it an undulating appearance, hence the name “Undulatifolia.” Below you will learn how to properly take care of this plant so that you can reap all these benefits for yourself.
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Lighting Requirements
This plant can do well in either a shady spot or one that receives sunlight for most of the day. You should avoid placing it in areas where the sun is directly shining onto it, however, as this will cause the leaves to burn and become damaged. In addition, these plants should be kept indoors as they can’t withstand cold winter temperatures.
Watering Requirements
Water your “Ripple Jade” sparingly. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering it again. This will depend on where you have it placed and how much sunlight it receives. If the plant is in a shady spot, for example, that doesn’t receive as much sun exposure as other locations, then its typical watering needs will be less.
Temperature Requirements
When it comes to temperature requirements, they can withstand temperatures that are near 20° F (-6.6° C). However, before it gets this cold it is best to bring this plant inside. It will need at least 4-5 hours of indirect sunlight.
Soil Conditions
When it comes to soil conditions, you should use a well-draining mix that’s either sandy or loamy. You can also plant this succulent in bark mulch, but make sure there are drainage holes for excess water to escape from the pot! If your plant is still too dry after watering it, then try lightly misting the leaves.
Fertilizer Requirements
This plant requires moderate fertilization, which means that you should feed it once every two weeks with a fertilizer made specifically for succulents and cacti. You can also use a water-soluble fertilizer that is dropped directly on the soil but make sure this product hasn’t been sitting for more than two months.
What is the ideal location?
The best location for this houseplant would be one that is in a shady spot or which receives sunlight most of the day. The plant should not, however, be placed directly into the direct sun as it will cause leaves to burn and become damaged.
Potting Requirements
You should use a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter with a height of at most five inches. This plant will need to be planted in soil and kept moist, but you can mix in some porcelain chips or perlite for extra ventilation. You also would not want it to be placed on top of a heat vent as this can dry out the soil and cause its demise.
Removing Dead Leaves
If you happen to come across any dead leaves, then you should remove them right away as they will attract insects that might harm your plant. You also want to make sure that there are no pests in or around this houseplant so check for bugs regularly while it is outside.
Repotting Period
This plant should be repotted every six months in order to keep it healthy and ensure that your Undulatifolia is able to grow without causing any problems. If you are using a potting mix that retains moisture, then this houseplant may not need to be repotted for as long of an amount of time.
Pruning Requirements
You don’t have to prune this plant often and should only be done if you notice it’s becoming too big for its pot or taking up too much space. You can also prune it back to the soil level if you want to make new plants for yourself.
How does this plant propagate?
You can propagate this plant through cuttings. The cutting should be at least an inch long and the leaves on it will have to remain intact in order for this process to work. Once you’ve made a new cutting, then place it into some moist compost or distilled water with perlite added until roots start forming. After that, pot up your new plant and you’re good to go.
Common Problems, Pests & Diseases
These plants are prone to pests like mealybugs and aphids. You want to check for these bugs regularly by looking through the plant’s leaves, checking out its soil, or even shaking it a bit over some newspaper.
If your plant starts wilting despite having enough water in the soil, then it might be a sign that you have root rot. This is caused by overwatering and can also happen if your plant was transplanted too quickly or placed in the wrong type of potting mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my plant is browning or has yellow leaves?
A: This could be a sign of too much sun, dehydration, or the soil might have been overwatered. Make sure to water your plant regularly and keep it in an area that contains plenty of light but isn’t in direct sunlight.
Q: What should I do if my plant is getting too big for its pot?
A: You can prune the top off of the plant and make new plants from it because these plants propagate through cuttings. Make sure they have at least one inch of the leaf before attempting to create a new plant from it.
Q: What should I do if my plant is wilting despite being watered regularly?
A: This could be due to root rot and you want to make sure that your soil isn’t too wet or dry. You also might have overwatered the plant, which can cause it to wilt while in its pot.
