If you’re like most people, your watch chain is one of your most treasured possessions. But like any other piece of jewelry, it can get dirty and need attention. Not to worry.
Succulent plants can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they require special care in order to thrive. A watch chain succulent is a perfect example of a plant that requires attention to detail in order to thrive.
This guide will show you how to Care for Watch Chain Succulent.
Table of Contents
Crassula muscosa / Watch Chain
The Watch Chain succulent (Aeonium arboreum) is an interesting-looking plant because of the compact leaves that are tightly wrapped around the stem. The stems are also densely covered in soft, fleshy roots. This succulent is native to central and southern Europe, but can be found growing in North America as well.
Quick Look:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 12″ (30 cm) tall
- Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by stem cuttings
- Can be toxic to animal
- Summer Dormant
Here are 6 tips for taking care of watch chain
1. Keep the plant hydrated. Succulents like plenty of water, so make sure you are regularly watering it even if it seems dry. When the soil is wet, it takes up less space and is easier to manage.
2. Give the plant light and warmth. Place the succulent near a window or in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight as this will cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Succulents do best when temperatures stay between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 27 degrees Celsius).
3. Don’t overwater. Like any other succulent, the aloe vera can dry out if over-watered. If it’s not bone dry, but you notice it’s drooping or wilting, give it a drink.
4. Feed it. Feed it once a week (in the spring and summer) and once every two months (in the winter). Follow the feeding directions on your aloe vera plant to make sure you are giving it what it needs.
5. Keep pests away. To keep pests away, you can avoid planting aloe vera outside during the winter and give it a barrier around it (like a chicken fence) to keep in the good vibes of its house.
6. Don’t move it. Don’t move your aloe vera plant from one spot to another or you will kill it.
Here are: How to Care for Watch Chain Succulent
Watering:
Watering for a watch chain succulent is important to keep the plant healthy and thriving. Follow these tips to ensure your succulent is getting the water it needs:
– Water the plant regularly, letting it dry between waterings.
– Check soil moisture levels every day. If the soil feels dry, give the plant a little bit of water.
– Use a soaker hose to water plants that are in pots or planters. Be sure to avoid over-watering plants that are in bedding or in containers with drainage holes.
– Use a misting system to provide irrigation for plants that are in hanging baskets or other areas not easily accessed by a hose.
Light:
It may come as a surprise to many gardeners, but Crassula imperialis, or the imperial succulent, can do well under more sun than most other houseplants. In fact, this succulent is naturally found in areas with full or partial sunlight. While some people may be hesitant to give their Crassula imperialis a spot in direct sunlight, this succulent can actually thrive there. In fact, it’s been found that the plant can photosynthesize three times as much under full sun than under artificial light.
This makes C. imperialis an ideal choice for those who have a spot outdoors where they can get plenty of sunlight. Additionally, this succulent is also very tolerant of humidity and temperature fluctuations- two factors that can be difficult for other plants to deal with.
Fertilizing: when and what to use
In the garden, fertilizer is key to helping plants grow and bloom. But when and what to use can be a challenge. Here are tips on fertilizing your plants when light for watch chain succulent care is a consideration.
1. Consider the plant’s stage of growth: Newly planted succulents will require more nitrogen than established plants. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as 20-20-20 at half strength every two weeks during the growing season, starting in early spring and continuing through fall.
2. Watch for signs of overfeeding: Overfed plants will become bushy and leggy, with leaves that are broad and coarse rather than pointed and slender. Look for yellowing or wilting between waterings, as well as an increase in pests or disease. Reduce or stop fertilizing if these problems occur.
Pruning: when and how
Just as a gardener must carefully prune branches and twigs from a tree to ensure proper growth and balance, succulents require regular pruning to maintain their desired shape. When trimming succulents, be sure to use a sharp knife or shears to avoid injuring the plants.
To start, gently remove any dead or diseased leaves. Next, cut off any limbs that are too long or thick. Finally, cut off any lateral branches that grow out of the main stem. If you find that your succulent is growing in an undesirable direction, it may be necessary to remove some of the root balls as well. Always take care not to damage the plant’s stems or roots in the process!
Temperature
The Crassula Imperialis is a perennial succulent that can be grown outdoors all year round in USDA zones 9a to 10b. This means that, even in cold climates, this plant can be kept alive by keeping it well-watered and in a warm place. It does not need direct sunlight, making it an ideal choice for those who live in areas with limited sunlight. The Crassula Imperialis is easy to care for and can be planted directly into the ground or placed in a pot.
Soil Mix
Since Crassula imperialis’ can easily get root rot when overwatered, it is essential to have a well-draining soil mix in a container or pot with drainage holes. A good soil mix for this succulent would be one that is high in organic matter and has good drainage.
Propagation: how to propagate from stem cuttings
How to propagate a plant from stem cuttings:
1. Use a sharp knife to make a 1-inch slice off the bottom of the stem.
2. Remove any brown or dead tissue below the cut, being careful not to damage the leafy part of the stem above.
3. Make another 1-inch slice just above the first one, then use your fingers to gently break away any woody tissue that is below the surface.
4. Slide your finger along the inside of both cuts, feeling for a “v”-shaped depression where the stem meets the soil. This is where you will place your cutting in order to root it.
5. Fill in around your cutting with soil and water, making sure it is well covered.
6. Place the cutting in a shaded area, not too close to direct sunlight. Use your fingers to gently push it through the soil, and make sure there are no air pockets.
7. Move the cutting back into direct sunlight for about 8 hours a day for 2 weeks.
8. After 2 weeks, you can place your cutting into a pot and grow it indoors for the winter.
9. Once the plant has grown and fruited, you can transplant it outdoors in early spring.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Succulent plants are often attacked by pests and diseases. Here is a list of some of the most common pests and diseases that affect succulents:
aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from succulents, causing leaves to turn yellow or brown and branches to droop. Aphids can be killed by spraying them with water or using a soap spray.
scale insects: These small, brown creatures feed on the leaves and stems of succulents. Control scale insects by using a hoe, brush, or vacuum cleaner to remove all Scale insect eggs, larvae, and pupae from the plant. Spray the plant with an insecticidal soap before spraying it with water to kill any aphids that may be hiding nearby.
Is watch chain an indoor plant?
Yes, the watch chain can be grown as an indoor plant. It is best to grow it in a bright and indirect light area, so that the leaves do not get too dark. Once the plant has taken root, watering should be done regularly but sparingly – less than half a pot of water per week should suffice. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month in the early stages of growth and then increase as needed.
In conclusion, watch chain succulents are easy to care for and make a great addition to any garden or home décor. They are drought tolerant and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making them a perfect plant for those who live in dry climates or have a busy lifestyle. To care for your watch chain succulent, water it regularly, but do not overwater it. Make sure the soil is dry before watering again. Fertilize your succulent once a month with diluted liquid fertilizer.
