As a Crassula plant, I am a resilient and stoic being, a proud member of the succulent family. My plump, fleshy leaves are not just for show; they are my personal water reservoirs, allowing me to endure periods of drought that would wither other houseplants. The greatest threat to my existence is not underwatering, but an excess of kindness—specifically, too much water. Root rot is a silent, creeping death for me. To help you understand how to prevent it, I will explain my needs from my own, rooted perspective.
You must first understand my anatomy. My roots are designed to seek out moisture in arid environments. They are not equipped to sit in constantly wet soil. When they do, the pores in the soil become waterlogged, driving out the oxygen my roots need to breathe. This suffocation creates a weak, anaerobic environment where rot-causing fungi and bacteria thrive. They quickly attack my suffocated roots, and the decay spreads upwards, turning my sturdy stems and leaves to mush. An underwatered Crassula will show wrinkled, slightly soft leaves, a signal I can recover from. A Crassula with root rot often shows sudden leaf drop, blackening stems, and a general collapse that can be too advanced to treat by the time it's visible above the soil.
The single most effective way to keep me healthy is to emulate the desert downpours I am evolved for. This is called the "Soak and Dry" method. When you water me, do so thoroughly. Pour water evenly over the soil until it runs freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that my entire root system has access to moisture. The crucial next step is to let me be. Place me back in my sunny spot and do not water me again until the soil is completely dry. "Completely dry" means you should check the soil moisture at the root level, not just the surface. Stick your finger or a wooden chopstick two inches into the soil. If it comes out clean and dry, it is time for another drink.
There is no universal weekly schedule for watering me. My thirst is governed by several environmental factors that you must observe.
Season (Light and Temperature): During the spring and summer, my growing season, I am actively using water and sunlight to create new growth. I will need more frequent watering, perhaps every 7-14 days, depending on conditions. In the fall and winter, I enter a period of dormancy. My growth slows dramatically, and my water needs plummet. During these cooler, darker months, I may only need water once a month or even less.
Pot and Soil: The home you provide me is critical. I must live in a pot with an unobstructed drainage hole. My soil must be a gritty, well-draining mix, specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. A dense, moisture-retentive potting mix will hold water like a sponge around my roots, guaranteeing rot, even with infrequent watering.
Environment: If I live in a hot, dry, and sunny spot, I will use the water in my soil and my leaves much faster than if I am in a cool, humid, or shaded location. Air circulation also helps soil dry out more efficiently.
Instead of marking your calendar, learn to read my body language. The most reliable sign of thirst is a slight loss of firmness in my leaves. Gently squeeze a leaf; if it feels a bit soft and pliable, and perhaps has a slight wrinkle or two, I am ready for a drink. My leaves are my water storage tanks, and I will begin to draw from these reserves when the soil is dry. This is a normal and safe process for me. It is always safer to err on the side of underwatering. I can easily recover from a little shriveling, but I cannot recover from rotted roots.
