Crassula tetragona aka Karkai

Taxonomy

Crassula tetragona is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is native to Southern Africa. Its long winding green stems produce small stem-like leaves, and during the summer, it develops small white flowers. The plant is widely distributed, from the Orange River boundary of Namaqualand to beyond the Kei River in the Eastern Cape. Its name "Tetragona" comes from the phyllotaxy of the leaves. It is also known as the "miniature pine tree" among ornamental plant enthusiasts, as it is popularly used as a "pine tree" in Bonsai. These plants are low maintenance, can handle long periods of drought, and need plenty of sunlight. They should be planted in a pot with a drainage hole to ensure their happiness.

Common names

Karkai, Pygmyweed, Miniature Pine Tree

How to care for Karkai

Difficulty

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

Water

Karkai does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Karkai 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

Karkai 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 Pygmyweed is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

Karkai is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Karkai plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Karkai 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

Karkai’s native range is South Africa.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Karkai with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia