Cremnosedum “Little Gem” is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which also includes other popular succulent plants such as Echeveria and Sedum. It is a hybrid of two other succulent plants, namely Cremnophila nutans and Sedum pachyphyllum.
The plant has small, compact rosettes that grow up to 5 cm in diameter, with leaves that are greenish-blue in color and have a slightly waxy texture. The leaves are thick and fleshy, and they grow densely on the stem, giving the plant a compact appearance.
How to grow and take care of Cremnosedum Little Gem?
Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ is a succulent plant that is easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’:
- Soil: Use a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix.
- Light: Place your plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Water your plant thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month.
- Temperature: Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
- Fertilizer: Fertilize your plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a cactus/succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Repotting: Repot your plant every two years or when it outgrows its current container. Use a container that is slightly larger than the current one and fill it with fresh soil.
- Propagation: Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. Allow the cuttings to callus over before planting in well-draining soil.
- Pests: Watch out for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Treat infestations with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following these tips, you should be able to successfully grow and care for your Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’.
What is the lifespan of Cremnosedum Little Gem?
The lifespan of Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ can vary depending on growing conditions and care, but on average, this plant can live for several years, and even up to 5-10 years or more with proper care. As the plant ages, it may become leggy or develop a woody stem, but it will continue to produce new leaves and grow. With good care, this succulent can provide enjoyment and beauty for a long time.
How to water it?
When watering Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’, it’s important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot. Here are some tips for watering this succulent:
- Wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- When you do water, water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots. Water until it starts to come out of the drainage holes in the pot, then let the pot drain completely.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves or stem, as this can cause rot or other problems.
- During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month or when the soil is completely dry.
Remember, it’s better to underwater than overwater when it comes to succulents like Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’. If you’re not sure whether your plant needs water, it’s better to wait a little longer than to risk overwatering.
How to prune it?
Pruning Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ is not typically necessary, as it tends to maintain a compact growth habit on its own. However, if you want to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged leaves, you can follow these steps:
- Use a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears.
- Identify any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, and cut them off at the base of the stem.
- If you want to shape the plant, you can trim the stems to your desired length using the pruning shears. Try to cut just above a leaf node to encourage new growth.
- Be careful not to remove too much of the plant at once, as this can stress it out. Instead, prune gradually over time.
- After pruning, dispose of any plant material in the trash, as opposed to composting it, to prevent the spread of disease.
Remember, pruning is optional for Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’. If your plant is healthy and growing well, it may not need any pruning at all.
How big does the Cremnosedum Little Gem grow?
Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ is a small succulent plant that grows up to about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) tall and about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide. Its growth habit is compact and mounding, with rosettes of fleshy, green leaves that may develop a reddish or pinkish tinge in bright light. Over time, the plant may produce offsets or “pups” at the base, which can be separated and planted to create new plants. With proper care, Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ can continue to grow and thrive for several years.
Which soil is the best for growing it?
Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ is a succulent plant that requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Here are some tips for choosing the best soil for this plant:
- Use a cactus/succulent potting mix: These mixes are specifically formulated to provide good drainage and aeration for succulent plants.
- Look for a mix that contains perlite or coarse sand: These materials help to improve drainage and prevent the soil from becoming too compacted.
- Avoid using regular potting soil: Regular potting soil is too heavy and retains too much moisture for succulent plants.
- You can also make your own soil mix by combining equal parts of perlite or coarse sand, peat moss or coco coir, and a good quality organic compost.
- If you are growing Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ in a container, make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.
Remember, the key to growing Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ successfully is to provide it with well-draining soil and to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where can I buy it?
Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ can be purchased from a variety of sources, depending on your location and preferences. Here are some options:
- Local nurseries or garden centers: Check with your local plant nurseries or garden centers to see if they carry Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’. If they don’t have it in stock, they may be able to order it for you.
- Online plant retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in selling succulent plants, including Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’. Some popular options include Etsy, Amazon, and specialized succulent nurseries like Mountain Crest Gardens and Leaf & Clay.
- Social media plant groups: Joining plant-focused social media groups on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms can be a great way to connect with other plant enthusiasts who may be able to help you find Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’.
Before making a purchase, be sure to research the seller or retailer to ensure that they have a good reputation for quality plants and customer service. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other customers who have purchased Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ from that seller or retailer to get an idea of their experience.
Summary
In this post, we discussed Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’, a small succulent plant that is easy to grow and care for. We covered topics such as its lifespan, watering needs, pruning requirements, soil preferences, and where to purchase it. Here are some key takeaways:
- Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ has a lifespan of several years if given proper care.
- When watering, it’s important to avoid overwatering and to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Pruning is optional but can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged leaves.
- Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ prefers well-draining soil, and a cactus/succulent potting mix is a good option.
- This plant can be purchased from local nurseries or garden centers, online plant retailers, or through plant-focused social media groups.
Remember, with proper care, Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’ can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your plant collection.
Have a nice day!