Question
I am an outside gardener who has been asked to help with
a 3 ' tall crassula. It is propped up with stakes and twine to
keep the many branches from falling over. It's growth habit
is now more vertical than bushlike. It is potted in what
looks like Peters cactus mix with extra perlite. He has not
recently repotted the plant. The owner wants to bring it
inside from his porch but wants to know what he can do to
correct his treatment of the plant. I don't see any rotting. I
don't think that the leaves are seriously elongated, but the
woody portion of the plant can't support the growth of the
green portion. The plant gets no more than 2 hours of sun
a day. It has been fertilized over the summer. It will go into
a room with good eastern and southern sun, but the
temperature will go to 50 degrees at night. That seems cold
to me. I was thinking of some pruning, no fertilizer, better
temperature regulation. Would wiring the woody branches
to help support the weight of the new growth allow them to
survive  until they can properly harden? Under what
circumstances will they harden off?  I would appreciate any
guidance as this young man is a very enthusiastic but
unschooled gardener. Apparently, so am I WRT jades.  
Thanks

Answer
Hi Lorette,

Plants that are staked and wired and strung up are most unattractive. In general, this condition results from less than optimal light and the corrective action is extensive pruning.

Crassulas are sun-lovers and 2 hours of sun is far from optimal. The more direct sun they receive the thicker the stems and the healthier the plant. Spindly growth will not correct itself even if moved to better light. Thus, weak growth should be puned off first. This may mean pruning back by as much as one-third to one-half; not for the faint-hearted!

If the plant is moved to better light, then the new (replacement) growth will come in stronger and thicker.

You are right about stopping the fertilizing. Crassulas, however, are quite cold tolerant and do fine in 50 degree temps, although warmer day temps will help promote faster growth. Repotting should absolutely be avoided.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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