Crassula ovata Lemon & Lime is a succulent evergreen plant from the Crassulaceae family. This plant is native to the southern coast of Africa. Flower growers highly appreciate this representative of the species for its special decorative value.
Crassula ovata Lemon & Lime is a small evergreen shrub. Its height can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm). The plant has a thick, branching stem and fleshy leaves. As the plant ages, the stem turns gray, and the leaves turn dark green with yellow edges. The young sprouts are green or light brown. From the end of winter to the beginning of spring, the plant blooms with pink star-shaped flowers.
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With its brightly variegated foliage, the crassula obliqua lemon and lime adds a pop of color to both indoor and outdoor spaces. This easy-care succulent plant is native to South Africa and belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Also called the lemon and lime jade plant or variegated jade tree, this visually striking plant has attractive spoon-shaped leaves striped in shades of green, yellow, and cream. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for the crassula obliqua lemon and lime.
Overview
The crassula obliqua lemon and lime is a perennial succulent that can grow up to 3 feet tall in ideal conditions It has an upright, shrubby growth habit with dense branches stacked with colorful, elongated foliage The leaves are thick and fleshy with a waxy surface. Their variegated pattern features splashes and stripes in lemon yellow, lime green, and creamy white set against the deep green leaf base color. Small clusters of pinkish flowers bloom in late winter or early spring. This plant is not cold hardy and requires warm temperatures year-round.
Key Features
- Striking variegated foliage in shades of green, yellow, cream
- Spoon-shaped succulent leaves
- Upright, dense growth to 3 feet tall
- Pink flower clusters in late winter/early spring
- Native to South Africa
- Thrives in warm climates (zones 10-11)
- Drought tolerant once established
- Great for containers and as houseplants
The eye-catching variegated leaves are the main draw of the crassula obliqua lemon and lime. The unique color patterns and succulent texture make this plant stand out in any setting. The lush, compact growth habit works well in pots and garden beds. Provide sufficient warmth and light to maintain the vibrant foliar colors.
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness zones 10-11
- Full sun
- Well-draining soil mix
- Average room temperature
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Shelter from frost and freezing
This tropical succulent thrives in warm, sunny environments. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best coloration. A fast-draining potting mix amended with sand or perlite prevents soggy roots. Water when the soil dries out, allowing it to dry completely in winter. Bring plants indoors or protect from temps below 30°F. The lush growth looks great in containers.
Size and Growth
- Height – Up to 3 feet
- Spread – 3-4 feet
- Growth rate – Slow growing
- Form – Upright, dense and shrubby
With its branching clusters of colorful succulent leaves, a mature lemon and lime crassula can reach up to 3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It is considered a slow growing plant, taking several years to attain full size. Pruning helps keep growth compact. The dense, stacked foliage and upright habit make it great for smaller spaces.
Care and Maintenance
- Water – Allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce in winter.
- Light – Thrives in full sun, needs at least 6 hrs direct light.
- Soil – Fast-draining cactus mix amended with sand/perlite.
- Fertilizer – Diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Pests – Generally pest resistant, watch for mealybugs.
- Hardiness zones – 10-11 only
Crassula obliqua lemon and lime care is easy Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and reduce frequency in winter. Provide lots of light to maintain vivid leaf colors Use a sandy, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering which can lead to rot. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. Shelter from frost and cold temps. Monitor for pests like mealybugs.
Design Uses
Thanks to its vibrant foliage and compact habit, Crassula obliqua lemon and lime works beautifully in container gardens and indoor displays:
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Accent plant – The bright variegated leaves grab attention as an accent plant.
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Focal point – Use as a standalone specimen in a pot to draw the eye.
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Borders and beds – Adds color to garden beds and borders in warm climates.
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Container plantings – Ideal for mixed succulent container gardens.
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Houseplant – Thrives indoors in bright sunlit spots. Provides color all year.
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Dish gardens – Combine with other succulents and cacti in artistic dish gardens.
Sourcing Your Plant
Crassula obliqua lemon and lime is gaining popularity and becoming more widely available:
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Online nurseries – Order from online specialty succulent and cactus nurseries.
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Independent garden centers – Check with local garden centers that carry exotic houseplants and succulents.
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Big box stores – Sometimes available seasonally at large hardware stores and nurseries.
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Plant swaps – Connect with local succulent societies and enthusiasts to trade cuttings.
Purchase young, healthy plants and inspect roots and leaves closely. Quarantine new plants before introducing to others.
Propagation
Crassula obliqua lemon and lime propagates easily from stem cuttings:
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Use a sharp, sterile knife or shears for clean cuts.
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Cut a 3-5 inch stem below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves.
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Allow cut end to dry and callous over.
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Plant cutting in sandy potting mix.
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Maintain warmth and indirect light.
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Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy while rooting.
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New growth will emerge in a few weeks. Transplant once rooted.
Propagating from cuttings is a simple, cost-effective way to multiply your plant collection.
Common Problems
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Overwatering – Excess moisture causes rot; allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Insufficient light – Needs several hours of direct sun for best coloration.
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Frost damage – Not cold hardy; protect from temps below 30°F.
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Sunburn – Can scorch if moved suddenly into intense sunlight; acclimate gradually.
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Pests – Watch for mealybugs, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil.
Avoid overwatering, insufficient light, extreme temps, and hot sun to prevent issues. Proper care provides optimal growth.
Toxicity
Crassula obliqua lemon and lime is non-toxic to humans, pets, and livestock when ingested. However, use caution and keep plants away from small children and pets to avoid choking hazards from chewing on foliage. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
In Summary
If you’re looking to add a bright pop of color and texture to your interior or exterior spaces, Crassula obliqua lemon and lime is a perfect choice. This South African native has uniquely patterned succulent leaves that really stand out. Provide plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and warm conditions for this tropical plant to thrive. Hardy only in zones 10-11, it also makes an excellent houseplant. With its compact shrubby form and vibrant variegation, the lemon and lime crassula is sure to be a fun conversation piece!
How to Care for the Plant
- Water: Because the plant’s fleshy leaves store water, too much water is worse than not enough. In the spring and summer, water the plant when the soil is still a little wet. In the fall and winter, water it when the soil is almost dry. If you don’t water this plant for a couple of weeks, it will be fine.
- SunlightYou need to choose a well-lit area for your plant. Only on the hottest days may the plant need shading. East, south, or southwest windows can be a good choice. If there isn’t enough light, the sprouts get weaker and the leaves may fall off.
- Fertilizer: You can feed Crassula ovata Lemon in the summer. Use ready-made fertilizers for cacti. If it’s cold outside, you can either not fertilize the plant or water it once a month with a weak fertilizer solution (half strength or less).
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- SoilChoose neutral to slightly acidic soil. You can use ready-made soil for succulents. It’s also possible to mix sand and turf soil or use an equal mix of turf, leaf, humus, and sand. Do not forget the drainage layer!.
- Pruning: The plant doesn’t need any special pruning other than to keep it clean, but you should take off any dried sprigs and leaves every so often. For a pretty bush, you can also pinch off new shoots in the spring.
- PropagationYou can propagate it from leaf and stem cuttings. Spring is the best time for this. With a sharp knife, cut off a sprout or a big leaf. Cover the cut with crushed activated carbon and let it dry for two to three days. Then plant in a bowl with sand and leafy soil mixed together.
- TemperatureCrassula ovata Lemon & Lime is a thermophilic plant. Keep the temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 25 degrees Celsius) in the summer. This plant can handle temperatures between 50 and 59 (10 to 15) degrees in the winter. It can also handle temperatures at room temperature.
- Container: Because the roots of Crassula obliqua Lemon n Lime are shallow, you should pick a wide pot or bowl. The plant’s trunk and leaves get heavier with age, and the roots get weaker. Because of this, an adult plant needs a pot that is low and stable. It may also need a prop.
- Interesting fact: Lemon cactus juice and tincture
- A lot of people want this plant: 423 have put it on their wishlists and 1,537 already have it.
Discover more plants with the list below
Variegated Jade Plant || Crassula Obliqua VARIAGATA || Crassula Ovata Lemon & Lime || Succulent Care
How to care for Crassula ovata ‘lemon & lime’?
Crassula Ovata ‘Lemon & Lime’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Lemon & Lime healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided.
Is lemon & lime a jade plant?
Crassula ovata cv. Lemon & Lime (Variegated Jade Plant) is a slow growing cultivar close in appearance to the common jade plant but with shiny cream stripes on spoon-shaped leaves. Crassula are succulent, herbaceous plants. Some varieties are suitable for rock gardens in mild regions as long as the soil is well drained.
How to care for lemon & lime succulents?
The watering method is very important to keep your Lemon & Lime healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering. This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring.
How do you grow Crassula ovata variegata?
The Crasula Ovata Variegata grows best in well-draining soil as with most succulents. Good drainage is imperative as they are prone to root rot. Crassula ovata variegata is one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. They can be propagated by a leaf or a stem cutting.