What is Calico Kitten Plant? – How to Grow Calico Kitten Crassula?
The plants need proper care in the initial time after which they become strong and have high adaptability. They are native to South Africa and are creeping or trailing succulents, which makes them good for ground cover.
Also, the calico kitten plants are a great spiller that gives a fuller appearance near the container. The stems are about 5-6 inches usually, though they can reach up to 12 inches but look short due to their hanging effect.
| Name: | Crassula pellucida |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Blooming: | Spring |
| Light: | Bright light |
| Water: | When the soil is dry out |
| Propagation: | Stem cuttings, offsets and seeds. |
What Is The Calico Kitten Plant?
The Calico Kitten Plant is one of the plants that is native to South Africa. It is present in various colors. It is one of the small houseplants that is grown by almost every farmer in his home garden. They will suit best in the tabletops and on the counters as well.
Calico Kitten Plant is a drought-resistant plant. Providing your plant with a good amount of temperature and humidity will help the plant to grow at its best. So, are you adding this variety to your home garden? If yes, then it’s a great idea to do so.
It tends to produce amazing foliage in the plant that looks vibrant, adding this aesthetic variety to your area is a good choice. It produces small leaves in the plant that are heart-shaped. It will come in the variegated colors in the plant. Being a fast-growing succulent, it will add magic to your home area.
How to grow Calico Kitten plants?
- Calico kitten plants thrive well in good sunlight. However partial shade also favors their growth. Make sure the sunlight is indirect.
- The color of this plant becomes more glossy and reddish as the natural light falls on them.
- The soil requirement for a healthy calico kitten is moist and well-drained. The soil should be well-supplied regularly with a small amount of normally used potting mix.
- Watering is done when needed or when the soil feels dry.
- The calico kitten should be kept indoors at a low temperature that is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to care for Calico Kitten plants?
Calico kittens need good attention in terms of care in the beginning, they are delicate plants and not very hardy. It’s seen that with proper care they can bear the low temperatures too and can be hard.
1. Light
Try not to place the plant in the direct full sun, avoid the noon sun too. You can put it near the window facing the east, west, or south direction.
You can use various materials to temporarily provide shade to them like some polyester fabrics, and sunshades, or move them to a shady spot for the time when it’s too hot.
The noon sun is hotter than the morning sun, plants will grow well and breathe well in the morning sun.
2. Water
Easy put, though they don’t need much water, you still need to make sure that they get suitable water at least. Let the water soak in properly before watering again. Regular watering in the spring and fall seasons will be helpful.
But to care in winter, the gap in watering should be elevated. It is important to avoid too much moisture near the plant or in the soil. The container should also have drainage holes. Avoid overwatering to keep the plant away from rot. For succulents, less water is more.
3. Soil
A perlite potting mix in the soil is beneficial having a sandy composition in it. The water clogging in the soil can lead to root rot, so proper drainage is ultra-vital for calico kitten plants.
Many planters have seen the advantage of using a cactus potting mix with the coarse sand in a ratio of 2:1. Make sure the soil is loose and well-aerated as well.
4. Temperature
Moderate climates can be well tolerated by Calico kitten plants, but extreme temperatures whether cold or hot cannot go well with the health of the plant.
They can be grown in zones 9-11. In case of frost, they can be protected by covering them with frost sheets or can be brought indoors.
5. Fertilizer
Use a diluted fertilizer in the soil for the calico kitten plant. Avoid fertilizing too much, specifically don’t fertilize during the extreme times of seasons.
During growing time, calico kitten plants require more fertilizer than others. Too much is unhealthy, but regular fertilizing will help.
Where to Plant Calico Kitten Plant?
The calico kitten plant is one of the plants that will grow well in full sunlight to partial sunlight. So, you have to choose a location for your plant. Being not a cold hardy plant, they will survive well in a location where they can receive a temperature range that is colder than 20° F. You can grow them in containers and also bring them indoors whenever desired.
Providing your plant with 6 hours of sunlight in a day is suggested, so follow this for a healthy plant in your area. When you place them indoors in your area, then you have to choose a location where they can receive a good amount of sunlight like you can place them near the south-facing window.
How to propagate the Calico Kitten Crassula plant?
Calico kitten plants like other succulents are fun and easy to grow and similarly propagate. They can be done by using stem cutting, leaves, offsets, and seeds. The easiest of them is propagation by stem cuttings.
a. Stem cuttings
Calico can be grown by using stem cuttings. You just need to cut out a stem cutting with leaves and soak it in the nutrient medium.
After a few days, you can move the developed plantlet to the moist, well-drained soil, and sun-kissed soil.
b. Offsets
Calico kitten plants have offsets that tend to grow a new plant. They can be cut out with a sharp sterile knife, and placed in the callous or nutrient medium after which they can be potted. They need good sun heat and water at this time.
c. Leaves
The calico kitten plants can be easily propagated by leaves as well. To get the best result, you can simply twist the leaf from the junction with the stem. Let it be there in callous form for 24 hours and plant it in the well-drained soil.
Common Problems with Calico Kitten Plant
With the benefits of the plant, there come problems too. Are you ready to face those problems? If yes, then you are perfect for growing a plant. Below are the common problems faced by Calico Kitten:
- Attack of pathogens in the soil.
- Bacterial and fungal diseases in the plant.
- Attack of pests like leafhoppers, aphids, slugs, rabbits, etc.
Preventions:
- You have to choose the right quality of soil for your plant.
- Make use of soap spray for a plant to keep the pests away from it.
- Do not overwater your plant which will decrease the chances of root rot.
- You can make use of horticultural oils to prevent pests in your garden area like neem oils.
- Remove the dead leaves, damaged or infected leaves, or stems if any. Using the diluted solution of alcohol will lower the infection and kill the best.
- Look for the fungus infection on plants that may be due to overwatering.
Calico Kitten Crassula Toxicity
The calico kitten plants are not toxic to humans and many animals. Though they might be a little toxic for the cats and other pets. So it’s better to take precautions by keeping them away from pets.
Wrapping up the context
The plants need proper care in the initial time after which they become strong and have high adaptability. They are native to South Africa and are creeping or trailing succulents, which makes them good for ground cover. read the guide for its proper understanding.
Thanks for reading! Happy Gardening!
FAQs
1. How big will a Calico Kitten Crassula get?
The crassula calico kitten plant can reach a height of about 2 to 4 inches, in general. Depending upon the conditions they get they can exceed the value.
2. When should I repot my calico kitten?
Early springs are considered to be the best time to repot these fast-growing crassula plants.
3. Why is my calico kitten dying?
Root rot can be a reason if the branches and leaves are dying and stem from the lower portion. The irregular watering, poor soil quality, damp soil, and fungal infection can be reasons for the dying calico kitten plant.
4. How often do you water a Crassula Calico Kitten?
In summer, keep the water supply every 8-10 days which should be reduced and time should be increased on cold days as every two weeks (10-14 days).
