What is Calico Kitten Plant? Very tiny in size, the Calico Kitten plants, which have the scientific name Crassula Pellucida ‘Variegata’, are known for their little heart-shaped leaves. These minimal succulent plants have tender leaves that grow outwards or upright. The flowers are seen in shades of cream pink, green, and blush pink. These flowers bloom best in the spring season and look extraordinarily cute whether outdoors or indoors.
The plants need proper care in the initial time after which they become strong and have high adaptability. They are native to South Africa and are creeping or trailing succulents, which makes them good for ground cover.
Also, the calico kitten plants are a great spiller that gives a fuller appearance near the container. The stems are about 5-6 inches usually, though they can reach up to 12 inches but look short due to their hanging effect.
How to grow Calico Kitten plants?
- Calico kitten plants thrive well in good sunlight. Though partial shade also favors their growth. Make sure the sunlight is indirect.
- The color of this plant becomes more glossy and reddish as the natural light falls on them.
- The soil requirement for a healthy calico kitten is moist and well-drained. The soil should be well-supplied regularly with a little amount of normally used potting mix.
- Watering is done when needed or when the soil feels dry.
- The calico kitten should be kept indoors at a low temperature that is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to care for Calico Kitten plants?
Calico kittens need good attention in terms of care in the beginning, they are delicate plants and not very hardy. It’s seen that with proper care they can bear the low temperatures too and can be hard.
1. Light
Try not to place the plant in the direct full sun, avoid the noon sun too. You can put it near the window facing the east, west, or south direction.
You can use various materials to temporarily provide shade to them like some polyester fabrics, and sunshades, or move them to a shady spot for the time when it’s too hot.
The noon sun is hotter than the morning sun, plants will grow well and breathe well in the morning sun.
2. Water
Easy put, though they don’t need much water, you still need to make sure that they get suitable water at least. Let the water soak in properly before watering again. Regular watering in the spring and fall seasons will be helpful.
But to care in winter, the gap in watering should be elevated. It is important to avoid too much moisture near the plant or in the soil. The container should also have drainage holes. Avoid overwatering to keep the plant away from rot. For succulents, less water is more.
3. Soil
A perlite potting mix in the soil is beneficial having a sandy composition in it. The water clogging in the soil can lead to root rot, so proper drainage is ultra-vital for calico kitten plants.
Many planters have seen the advantage of using a cactus potting mix with the coarse sand in a ratio of 2:1. Make sure the soil is loose and well-aerated as well.
4. Temperature
Moderate climates can be well tolerated by Calico kitten plants, but extreme temperatures whether cold or hot cannot go well with the health of the plant.
They can be grown in zones 9-11. In case of frost, they can be protected by covering them with frost sheets or can be brought indoors.
5. Fertilizer
Use a diluted fertilizer in the soil for the calico kitten plant. Avoid fertilizing too much, specifically don’t fertilize during the extreme times of seasons.
During growing time, calico kitten plants require more fertilizer than others. Too much is unhealthy, but regular fertilizing will help.
How to propagate the Calico Kitten Crassula plant?
Calico kitten plants like other succulents are fun and easy to grow and similarly propagate. They can be done by using stem cutting, leaves, offsets, and seeds. The easiest of them is propagation by stem cuttings.
a. Stem cuttings
Calico can be grown by using stem cuttings. You just need to cut out a stem cutting with leaves and soak it in the nutrient medium.
After a few days, you can move the developed plantlet to the moist, well-drained soil, and sun-kissed soil.
b. Offsets
Calico kitten plants have offsets that tend to grow a new plant. They can be cut out with a sharp sterile knife, and placed in the callous or nutrient medium after which they can be potted. They need good sun heat and water at this time.
c. Leaves
The calico kitten plants can be easily propagated by leaves as well. To get the best result, you can simply twist the leaf from the junction with the stem. Let it be there in callous form for 24 hours and plant it in the well-drained soil.
Pests and problems of Calico Kitten plants
- Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites
- Remove the dead leaves, damaged or infected leaves, or stems if any. Using the diluted solution of alcohol will lower the infection and kill the best.
- Look for the fungus infection on plants that may be due to overwatering.
Calico Kitten Crassula Toxicity
The calico kitten plants are not toxic to humans and many animals. Though they might be a little toxic for the cats and other pets. So it’s better to take precautions by keeping them away from pets.
FAQs
1. How big will a Calico Kitten Crassula get?
The crassula calico kitten plant can reach a height of about 2 to 4 inches, in general. Depending upon the conditions they get they can exceed the value.
2. When should I repot my calico kitten?
Early springs are considered to be the best time to repot these fast-growing crassula plants.
3. Why is my calico kitten dying?
Root rot can be a reason if the branches and leaves are dying and stem from the lower portion. The irregular watering, poor soil quality, damp soil, and fungal infection can be reasons for the dying calico kitten plant.
4. How often do you water a Crassula Calico Kitten?
In summer, keep the water supply every 8-10 days which should be reduced and time should be increased on cold days as every two weeks (10-14 days).
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