Crassula pellucida aka Calico Kitten Plant

Taxonomy

Crassula pellucida is a versatile succulent that can be found creeping along the ground as a ground-cover or as a low-growing shrub. This South African native is highly adaptable, able to tolerate shade, and is available in several cultivated forms. Its bright green leaves and delicate, star-shaped white flowers make it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance houseplant. The leaves of the Crassula pellucida are thin and arranged in a rosary-like pattern on the stem. They have a waxy texture and a light green color with a blue tinge, giving them a distinct appearance. This plant is part of the Crassula genus, which is incredibly diverse, and many of its species are native to a small region in South Africa. These plants are known for their ability to handle long periods of drought, making them perfect for those who tend to forget to water their plants. To keep the Crassula pellucida happy, make sure it receives plenty of sunlight and is planted in a pot with a drainage hole. It typically grows to about 0.3 ft (0.1016 m) tall and blooms in late spring.

Common names

Calico Kitten Plant, String Of Spades, Cuddly Leaf Plant

How to care for Calico Kitten Plant

Difficulty

Caring for Calico Kitten Plant is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Calico Kitten Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Calico Kitten Plant healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Calico Kitten Plant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your String Of Spades is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Calico Kitten Plant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Calico Kitten Plant thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The Calico Kitten Plant is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Calico Kitten Plant’s native range is South Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia