Crassula rupestris aka Rosary Plant
Taxonomy
Crassula rupestris, also known as buttons on a string, bead vine, necklace vine, rosary vine, Baby's Necklace Vine, and Kebab Bush, is a shrubby succulent of the Crassulaceae family native to the Cape Provinces and Eastern Cape of South Africa. This plant is prized for its beauty, with leaves that turn red or yellow in the summer. It grows slowly but can exist in nature for over 60 years, reaching up to 91 cm (30 ft) with 0.6 cm (0.25 in) leaves and bunches of flowers in varying shades of pink. This low maintenance plant is perfect for those who forget to water, as it can handle long periods of drought as long as it's planted in a pot with a drainage hole and receives plenty of sunlight. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Common names
Rosary Plant, Inrygertjie, Concertina PlantHow to care for Rosary Plant
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Rosary Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Rosary Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Rosary Plant is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.
Lighting
Rosary 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 Inrygertjie is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Rosary Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
Rosary Plant prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.
Fertilizer
The Rosary Plant is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Rosary Plant’s native range is South Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Crassula Genus
Crassula tomentosa
Crassula multicava Cape Province Pygmyweed
Crassula moschata Shore Stonecrop
Crassula congesta Crassula Green Beans
Crassula nudicaulis platyphylla Crassula Burgundy
Crassula lactea Krysna Crassula
Crassula sieberiana Siberian Pygmyweed
Crassula deltoidea Crassula Deltoidea
Crassula fusca Crassula Fusca
