DELIGHT25 to get 15% off all orders

    How to grow and care for Crassula Watch Chain plant

    4 min read

    How to grow and care for Crassula Watch Chain

    0 Comments

    Crassula ‘Imperialis' or also called Giant Watch Chain, is a mat-forming succulent known for its gentle overlaying stems, which can reach up to 8-inches tall and has compact interlocking leaves. And once it starts to trail, this plant would make an impressive “spiller”, making it very ideal for hanging baskets or even in rock gardens.


    On top of that, caring for this wonderful succulent is not that hard at all! Not convinced yet? Read on to learn more.

     

    WATERING DEMANDS

    The biggest threat in growing Crassula ‘Imperialis' is overwatering, as they can easily develop root rot, especially when left sitting in cold, wet soil.

    How to care for Crassula Watch Chain, succulent types, succulent care, succulent soil, succulent for sale
    The biggest threat in growing Crassula ‘Imperialis' is overwatering

     

    So to avoid killing your Crassula ‘Imperialis', a good rule of thumb to follow is to water thoroughly (until the water flows down the pot's drainage hole), at least once every 7 to 10 days, then reducing to at least once a month in cooler months.

    If you are a beginner and not sure whether your Crassula ‘Imperialis’ already needs some watering or not, then you may use a tool like a moisture meter to help you. You can also use your finger in determining this. You just simply need to stick it into the soil and feel if the top 1 to 2-inches is dry. If it's, then it's time to water. Otherwise, don't.


     

    LIGHT EXPOSURE

    When it comes to light exposure, Crassula ‘Imperialis' can do really well under more sun than most houseplants. So if you have a spot outdoors where it gets a bit too much for your other succulents, like on your deck, porch, or even in your yard, Crassula ‘Imperialis' can definitely take that spot without any worry!

    How to care for Crassula Watch Chain, succulent types, succulent care, succulent soil, succulent for sale
    Crassula Watch Chain can do really well under more sun than most houseplants
    Photo credit: gardenanswers.com

     

    To be specific, the ideal spot to grow this succulent outdoors is in an area where it can get at least 6 hours of full, dappled, or even partial morning sunlight a day. If grown as an indoor houseplant, simply ease it in a spot with lots of sunlight, like near a south-facing window. You may also use a grow light to supplement its lighting needs per day, in case you don’t get much sunlight in your home to prevent it from stretching out due to lack of light.

     

    TEMPERATURE

    When it comes to temperature, Crassula ‘Imperialis’ can be grown outdoors all year round as perennials in USDA zones 9a to 10b. This means that, elsewhere, you'll have to carry this succulent indoors for the winter, or better, just grow it as a houseplant, especially if the temperature around your area tends to hit below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can quickly lose its color and turns yellow and mushy in cold and damp weather.


     

    IDEAL SOIL MIX

    Since Crassula ‘Imperialis' can easily get root rot when overwatered, so a very well-draining soil mix in a container or pot with drainage holes is essential to help this plant live longer and grow stronger.

    How to care for Crassula Watch Chain
    Well-draining soil mix in a container or pot with drainage holes is essential to help Crassula Watch Chain live longer and grow stronger

    You can either buy a ready-made soil mix formulated especially for succulents at a local store near you or create your own soil mix by blending 3 cups potting medium, 3 cups sand, and to help with the aeration and drainage, add 1.5 cups perlite or pumice.

     

    PROPAGATING CRASSULA 'IMPERIALIS'

    Crassula ‘Imperialis’ can be propagated easily from leaf cuttings in early Spring to late Summer, and can be performed with just 4 simple steps.

    How to care for Crassula Watch Chain, succulent types, succulent care, succulent soil, succulent for sale
    Crassula Watch Chain can be propagated easily from leaf cuttings in early Spring to late Summer
    Photo credit: vividroot.net

     

    STEP 1: Get a few healthy leaves from the mother plant by either pulling them or cutting them off using a sharp and disinfected knife or a pair of scissors.

    STEP 2: Allow the cuttings to dry out for at least a day or until they formed a callus before placing it on a surface with soil mix.

    STEP 3: Keep the soil a bit moist by watering or misting only when it’s dry, and make sure to place it in a spot away from direct sunlight.

    STEP 4: Once your cuttings have become well-rooted, you can now transfer them to a pot filled with dry well-draining soil.

     

    FERTILIZING CRASSULA 'IMPERIALIS'

    Just like with any other succulents, you can feed your Crassula ‘Imperialis’ using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half to promote healthier growth. You can apply this at least once every other week when it's actively growing, which happens from Spring to Summer season.

     

    PESTS AND DISEASES

    Crassula ‘Imperialis' has no serious issues with pests or diseases. But they are still susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and fungal diseases, and overwatering can definitely cause their roots to rot.

     

    SEE MORE ABOUT HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR HAWORTHIA COOPERI

    HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR HAWORTHIA COOPERI, succulent types, succulent care, succulent soil, succulent for sale

    For Types of Succulents Careguide. Read more information here.

    And get a free plant when your friends make an order. Sign up here!

    Learn more about how to nurture and enjoy many gorgeous succulents and clever decoration tips with our newsletter. Sign up now!




    Related articles

    What is succulent mutation?
    What is succulent mutation?

    10 min read

    This blog explains what succulent mutations are, including their causes and how they occur. It also explores common types of mutations like variegation, crested growth, and monstrose forms.
    How to care for Aeonium Dinner Plate
    How to care for Aeonium Dinner Plate

    8 min read

    Discover the essential steps for thriving Aeonium Dinner Plate care, including tips on lighting, watering, soil, blooming, propagation, and troubleshooting common growth problems. Keep your plant healthy and vibrant!

    How to care for Echeveria Blue Rose
    How to care for Echeveria Blue Rose

    7 min read

    A complete guide to caring for Echeveria 'Blue Rose' succulents. Learn about ideal light conditions, proper watering techniques, suitable soil, and effective propagation methods.

    Our care guides and planting tips are crafted by seasoned gardeners and plant enthusiasts who bring a wealth of hands-on experience to every piece of content. We take pride in offering meticulously researched and human-written advice to ensure the highest quality information for our fellow plant lovers. Each article is written with care and expertise, not auto-generated by AI, to help you keep your plants healthy and happy.
    Back to Top