Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves that are shaped like triangular points. It belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is native to South Africa.
Its leaves are green with red tips, and they can turn completely red when exposed to direct sunlight. The plant produces small, white flowers in the summer months. Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is an easy-to-care-for plant that prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings.
How to grow and take care of Crassula Ogre Ears?
Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is a succulent plant that is relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Crassula Ogre Ears:
- Light: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ prefers bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window that gets plenty of sunlight but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Water your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ when the soil is completely dry. The plant can tolerate drought, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water sparingly in winter and more frequently in summer, when the plant is actively growing.
- Soil: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ prefers well-draining soil. Use a commercial cactus or succulent soil mix, or make your own by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
- Fertilizer: Feed your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter.
- Temperature: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). Protect the plant from extreme temperatures, especially in winter.
- Pruning: Prune your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ to remove dead or damaged leaves and to control its size and shape.
- Propagation: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Simply cut a stem or leaf from the parent plant and let it dry for a day or two. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water sparingly until it roots and begins to grow.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow and care for your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ succulent plant.
What is the lifespan of Ogre Ears?
The lifespan of Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can vary depending on the growing conditions and care it receives. In general, with proper care, a healthy Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can live for 6 to 8 years or even up to a decade.
As with most succulent plants, Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is relatively slow-growing, and its growth rate may slow down as it matures. However, the plant can still continue to produce new leaves and branches over time.
It’s worth noting that the plant may go through periods of dormancy or reduced growth during the winter months, which is a normal part of its natural growth cycle. During this time, it’s important to reduce watering and avoid fertilizing the plant until it resumes active growth in the spring.
How to water it?
Watering Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ properly is an important part of caring for this plant. Here are some tips on how to water it:
- Water sparingly: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is a succulent plant that can store water in its leaves and stems. Therefore, it doesn’t need to be watered frequently. In fact, overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering the plant.
- Use well-draining soil: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ prefers well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away quickly. Use a commercial cactus or succulent soil mix, or make your own by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
- Water deeply: When you do water your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, water it deeply so that the soil is thoroughly moistened. You can water the plant until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Then, make sure to empty the saucer so that the plant doesn’t sit in standing water.
- Water less in winter: During the winter months, when the plant is dormant or has reduced growth, you should water it less frequently. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering the plant.
- Watch for signs of overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so it’s important to watch for signs that the plant is getting too much water. If the leaves start to look yellow or mushy, or if the soil stays wet for a long time, you may be overwatering the plant.
By following these tips, you can water your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ properly and help keep it healthy and thriving.
How to prune it?
Pruning is an important part of caring for Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, as it helps to control the size and shape of the plant and remove dead or damaged leaves. Here are some tips on how to prune this succulent:
- Use clean, sharp tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
- Cut back stems and branches: If your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is getting too tall or leggy, you can prune back the stems and branches to control its height and shape. Make a clean cut just above a leaf or node, and the plant will usually branch out and produce new growth.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves: If you notice any dead or damaged leaves on your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, you should remove them as soon as possible. Use pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut at the base of the leaf.
- Propagate from cuttings: If you want to propagate your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, you can take stem or leaf cuttings and root them in well-draining soil. Make sure to let the cuttings dry for a day or two before planting them, and water them sparingly until they have rooted and started to grow.
- Avoid pruning during dormancy: Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ may go through periods of dormancy or reduced growth during the winter months. It’s best to avoid pruning the plant during this time, as it may not have the energy to produce new growth.
By following these tips, you can prune your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ properly and keep it looking healthy and attractive.
How big does the Ogre Ears succulent grow?
Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and 18 inches (45 cm) in width when grown in the right conditions. However, the growth rate and size of the plant may vary depending on factors such as the amount of sunlight, soil quality, and frequency of watering.
As a succulent plant, Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ grows slowly, and it may take several years to reach its full size. The plant produces a central rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Over time, the plant may produce offsets or “pups” at the base of the stem, which can be separated and propagated to produce new plants.
With proper care, a healthy Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can be an attractive and long-lived addition to your succulent collection.
Which soil is the best for growing it?
Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ is a succulent plant that prefers well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away quickly. A good potting mix for Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ should be well-aerated, fast-draining, and able to retain some moisture while allowing for good air circulation around the roots. Here are some soil options you can use for growing your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’:
- Cactus or succulent soil mix: A commercial cactus or succulent soil mix is a good option as it is formulated with a blend of fast-draining materials like sand, perlite, and grit, and is free from ingredients that retain too much moisture.
- A well-draining soil mix: You can create your own well-draining soil mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This mix provides good drainage while still retaining some moisture.
- Mineral-based soil: Some growers prefer to use a mineral-based soil mix for their Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, which can include materials like pumice, turface, or calcined clay. These materials provide excellent drainage and aeration while retaining some moisture.
When planting your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Water your plant sparingly, and make sure the soil has completely dried out before watering again. By using the right soil mix, you can help your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ grow and thrive.
Where can I buy it?
Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can be purchased from various nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers that specialize in succulent plants. Here are some places where you can look to buy Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’:
- Local nurseries and garden centers: Check with your local nurseries or garden centers to see if they carry Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’. They may have a good selection of succulent plants and can offer advice on caring for your new plant.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in succulent plants and offer a wide range of Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ plants for sale. Some popular online retailers include Amazon, Etsy, and Succulent Market.
- Specialty succulent plant nurseries: There are many specialty succulent plant nurseries that sell rare and hard-to-find varieties of succulents, including Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’. These nurseries may have a wider selection of plants and can offer more specific care advice.
When buying Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’, look for plants that are healthy and free from pests or signs of disease. Choose a pot with drainage holes and plant the succulent in well-draining soil. With proper care, your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can be an attractive and long-lived addition to your collection of succulent plants.
Summary
In this post, we discussed how to grow and care for the Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ succulent plant. We covered various topics, including the plant’s watering needs, ideal soil type, pruning methods, and light requirements. We also talked about where to purchase Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ from local nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers that specialize in succulent plants. Overall, by following the right care tips and providing the optimal growing conditions, your Crassula ‘Ogre Ears’ can thrive and grow into a healthy, attractive plant.
Have a nice day!