Crassula ovata
This low maintenance, long-lasting succulent looks like a tiny tree and is said to bring good fortune. It can produce flowers in winter.
HOW NOT TO KILL IT
Location – position the plant on a sunny windowsill that is 50-75F (18-24C). It will tolerate periods at 50F (10C) in winter.
Light – Provide bright, dappled sunlight.
Watering + feeding - Water moderately; let the top 1in (2-3cm) of potting mix dry out between waterings. Water more sparingly in winter. Feed once in spring and then again in summer.
Care – Pull off any old, shriveled leaves. In spring, lightly prune the plant to shape. Plant in a weighty pot as it can become top-heavy and topple over.
YELLOWING LEAVES?
This is probably due to overwatering.
SAVE IT – Allow the potting mix to dry out and check that the pot is well drained.
DROPPING LEAVES?
Older leaves will shrivel and fall off naturally, but younger leaves may drop under environmental stress (such as being moved to bright sunlight suddenly, or over- or underwatering).
SAVE IT – Give water if the potting mix is very dry, or allow it to dry out of soggy. When repositioning, move your plant gradually toward the desired spot over a week, to allow it to acclimate.
SHRIVELED LEAVES AND STEMS?
Your plant is short of water.
SAVE IT – Give your plant a small amount of water daily over the course of a few days – the leaves should soon plump up again. Don’t let t stand in soggy potting mix.
LEGGY PLANT?
Your plant needs more sunlight
SAVE IT – Move it to a sunnier spot