Sunglow Plant (Crassula coccinea) Indoor Care, Propagation, Common Issues and Solutions

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Sunglow Plant, Red Crassula, Crassula coccinea

Botanical name: Crassula coccinea
Synonym Rochea coccinea
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Sunglow Plant, Red Crassula

Description

Crassula coccinea commonly called Sunglow Plant or Red Crassula is a neat succulent plant whose stems are clothed with leathery triangular leaves which look like they are stacked on top of each other.

Red Crassula requires plenty of light, good ventilation and plenty of water during the growing period inorder for it to thrive.

Size

Sunglow Plant grows to a height of about 1-1.5 ft and bears showy clusters of red tubular flowers.

Origin

Crassula coccinea also called Rochea coccinea is native to Eastern Cape of South Africa where it is found growing on bare rocks or shrubby slopes.

Varieties

There are two main varieties of Red Crassula that are popular as houseplants. These are alba which bears red flowers and bicolor which bears red and white flowers.

Toxicity

Like its cousins the Jade Plants, Sunglow Plant (Red Crassula) is considered mildly toxic to both humans and pets.

If ingested it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep the Sunglow Plant away from the reach of children and pets.

Crassula coccinea Care Indoors

Sunglow Plant (Crassula coccinea) blossoms in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.

Crassula coccinea has no need for high humidity or frequent repotting as it blooms best when pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat as well as reduce pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Sunglow Plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.

Cut down on watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid root-rot and eventual death of the plant.

Light Requirements

Sunglow Plant grows best under bright light with some direct sunshine. It can also grow under a grow light where the natural light is not adequate.

Shield Red Crassula from too hot direct sunshine as it can cause scorching of the leaves.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent lopsided growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Average warmth within the range of 15-24⁰C is ideal for Sunglow Plant with a minimum of 12⁰C during the cold season.

Average room humidity is adequate for Sunglow Plant. It does not require high humidity as it is a drought tolerant plant.

Fertilizer

Feed Sunglow Plant with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks when the plant is actively growing (during the growing period).

Withhold feeding during the dormancy period (cold season) as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn.

Flush out accumulated salts from the soil by running a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage hole. Allow it to run for a few minutes and repeat the process several times.

Potting Mix

The best soil for Sunglow Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.

Cactus and Succulents soil is ideal for this plant. Buy quality Cactus and Succulents Soil from Etsy.

Pruning

Pruning Sunglow Plant requires removal of dead leaves and flowers to maintain the plant neat as well as discourage pests and diseases.

Repotting

Repot Sunglow Plant during the growing period only when the plant becomes root-bound as it blooms best when pot-bound.

Use a shallow pot for Red Crassula as it has a small root system. The pot should only be one size larger than the current one.

A heavy pot is recommended to prevent the plant from toppling over as it can get top heavy.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

Select a clay pot for the Sunglow Plant as a clay pot is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster which prevents it from staying wet for too long.

Propagation

Sunglow Plant (Crassula coccinea) can be propagated from stem cuttings at the beginning of the growing period.

How to propagate Sunglow Plant from stem cuttings

Take a 4-6 in. stem cutting from a healthy Sunglow Plant and allow stem cuttings to dry (callus) for 2-3 days to prevent rotting.

Once callused, insert the stem cuttings in moist, cactus and succulents soil and ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil slightly moist until new growth is observed.

Allow for substancial growth of the Red Crassula cuttings before transplanting after which routine care can begin.

Crassula coccinea Common Issues

Sunglow Plant (Crassula coccinea) common growing issues include leaf spots, leggy growth, wilting, discolored leaves, rotting, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Wilted and discolored leaves

Overwatering or soggy soil during the cold period is the cause of wilted and discolored leaves in Sunglow Plant.

Decrease watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist. In addition, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Brown soft spots

Brown soft spots in Sunglow Plant are caused by leaf spot disease which is enhanced by poor air circulation and wetting of the leaves during watering.

Improve ventilation to ensure that there is free air circulation for Red Crassula at all times and water it from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.

Elongated stems (leggy growth)

Too much water during the cold season or too little light during growing season are the causes of elongated stems or leggy growth in Sunglow Plant.

Significantly reduce watering for the Red Crassula during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist.

Make sure that the plant receives bright light during the growing season to prevent it from growing towards the light source or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Rotting plant base, yellowing and shriveled leaves

Rotting plant base followed by yellowing and shrivelled leaves in Sunglow Plant is an indication of basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.

At this point, the plant cannot be saved. Discard the plant and taking cuttings from the healthy stems to propagate a new plant.

In the future, avoid overwatering and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy.

Brown dry spots

Brown dry spots in Sunglow Plant are due to underwatering during the growing season.

Water the Red Crassula thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the soil to dry out slightly betweeen waterings and maintain the soil moderately moist.

Lessen watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Pests

The common plant pests in Sunglow Plant are Mealy Bugs and Scale Insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other houseplants and treat it approprately for the pests.