From my perspective, light is my sustenance. I am a Crassula, and I thrive on bright, indirect sunlight. Please place me near a south or east-facing window where I can bask in the sun's energy for at least four to six hours a day. This light fuels my photosynthesis, allowing me to produce the sugars I need to grow strong and maintain my vibrant green (or sometimes reddish) hues. Direct, harsh afternoon sun can be a bit too intense and may scald my leaves, causing brown spots. If you notice me stretching out awkwardly with large gaps between my leaves, I am etiolating—desperately reaching for more light. Rotate my pot a quarter turn every week to ensure I grow evenly and don't become lopsided.
My relationship with water is simple: I prefer neglect over over-attention. As a succulent, I store ample water in my thick, fleshy leaves and stems. My roots are not designed for constant moisture and will quickly rot if left sitting in wet soil. The best way to water me is the "soak and dry" method. Please wait until my soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot. Then, provide a thorough, deep watering until water flows freely from the drainage holes. Allow all excess water to drain away completely. In the warmer growing seasons (spring and summer), this might be every two to three weeks. In my dormant period (fall and winter), I need much less, perhaps only once a month or even less.
My roots need to breathe. A standard potting mix is a death sentence for me, as it retains too much moisture. I require a sharply draining soil mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. You can even make a perfect home for me by mixing standard potting soil with plenty of perlite or coarse sand (a 50:50 ratio is excellent). Equally important is my pot; it must have drainage holes. Without them, water pools at my roots, creating a swampy environment that leads to root rot. Repot me every couple of years in the spring to refresh my soil and give my roots a bit more room to explore.
I enjoy the same comfortable room temperatures that you do, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). I appreciate a drop in temperature at night and during the winter, as it mimics my natural environment and encourages me to rest. I am not frost-hardy, so please keep me away from drafty windows in winter. As for humidity, I am a dry-climate plant. Average household humidity is perfect for me. I do not enjoy the steam of bathrooms or kitchens, as high humidity can encourage fungal diseases and prevent my soil from drying properly.
