Crassula Marnieriana: How to take care of your Jade Necklace plant

Meet Crassula marnieriana, affectionately known as the Jade Necklace or Worm Plant for its whimsical, stacked leaves that spiral around its stems, resembling beads on a necklace or, well, a bunch of wriggly worms. This charming succulent is a conversation starter and a delightful addition to any plant collection. Caring for and propagating Crassula marnieriana is a breeze, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned succulent lovers and green-thumbed newbies. Let's dive into the ins and outs of keeping your Jade Necklace vibrant and happy. If you don't yet own a jade Necklace but would like to you can find one here.

Caring for Crassula Marnieriana: Keeping it Happy

1. Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much)

Crassula marnieriana thrives in bright, indirect light. While it appreciates a good dose of sunlight, too much direct exposure can cause its leaves to sunburn. A spot near a window that gets plenty of light without the harsh midday sun is ideal. If you notice the leaves starting to stretch out or lose their compact, stacked appearance, it's a sign your plant is craving more light.

2. Watering: The Goldilocks Approach

Watering is where the magic happens (or doesn't). Crassula Marnieriana prefers a "less is more" approach. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and then give it a good soak, ensuring excess water drains away. Overwatering is the fast track to root rot, so when in doubt, wait another day or two before watering. In the winter months, dial back on watering as the plant enters a dormant phase.

3. The Perfect Pot and Soil

A happy Crassula marnieriana starts with the right foundation. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix to keep those roots healthy. A pot with a drainage hole is a must to prevent water from pooling. Consider adding a bit of perlite or sand to the mix to enhance drainage further.

4. Keeping it Cozy

Your Jade Necklace is pretty chill when it comes to temperatures, thriving in typical household conditions (think 60-75°F or 15-24°C). It can handle cooler nights but isn't a fan of frost, so keep it away from drafty windows in the winter.

Propagating Crassula Marnieriana: Share the Love

One of the joys of succulent parenting is propagation, and Crassula marnieriana makes it easy to grow your collection or share with friends.

1. Leaf Cuttings:

Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, making sure to get a clean break. Let the leaf callous over for a couple of days, then place it on top of moist succulent soil. Keep the soil slightly moist, and in a few weeks, you should see tiny roots and a new plant beginning to form.

2. Stem Cuttings:

For a faster start, cut a piece of stem a few inches long, let it callous over, and then plant it in succulent soil. Water it lightly until it establishes roots, and soon you'll have a new Jade Necklace plant to admire.

A variety of Crassula stem cuttings

 Pro Tips for a Thriving Crassula Marnieriana

- Feeding: During the growing season (spring and autumn), you can feed your Jade Necklace with a diluted low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer to encourage growth.

  - Pest Patrol: Keep an eye out for common succulent pests such as aphids and mealybugs. If you spot any, treat your plant with a gentle insecticide or remove pests manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. There are lots of little places for bugs to hide on Jade Necklace so try to be extra vigilant, it is best to catch pests early before they get out of control.

- Grooming: Remove dead or dying leaves to keep your plant healthy and prevent any potential pest or disease issues. A pair of long tweezers can help to carefully remove dead leaves from any cracks.

Caring for Crassula marnieriana is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of whimsy to your home or office. With its easy-going nature and unique appearance, it's sure to capture your heart and maybe even spark a new succulent obsession. Happy planting!