Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’ is a stunning succulent that will add a pop of color to any indoor or outdoor space. With its brightly variegated foliage in shades of green yellow, and cream this easy-care plant is sure to brighten up your home or garden. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’.
Overview of Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’, also known as the lemon and lime jade plant, is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. It’s a member of the Crassulaceae family and can grow up to 3 feet tall with a shrubby, dense growth habit. The elongated spoon-shaped leaves have a thick, fleshy texture and feature a beautiful variegated pattern in lemon yellow, lime green, and creamy white set against a deep green leaf base. Small clusters of light pink flowers bloom in late winter or early spring. This tropical plant requires warm temperatures year-round.
Growing Conditions for Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Crassula obliqua thrives in bright sunny conditions. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best coloration. It prefers average room temperature between 68-77°F. As a succulent it requires fast-draining soil that is sandy or gritty. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. These plants are not cold hardy and need to be protected from temps below 30°F. Bring them indoors before frost hits. The lush variegated foliage looks beautiful in containers or garden beds.
How to Care for Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Caring for lemon and lime crassula is simple if you meet its basic needs. Follow these care tips:
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Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, then allow it to dry out again before next watering. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
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Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for vivid leaf colors. Acclimate gradually if increasing light levels.
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Use fast-draining cactus/succulent soil. Add perlite or pumice for improved drainage.
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced dilute fertilizer.
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Prune off any dead or damaged growth as needed. Pinch back leggy stems.
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Propagate from stem cuttings in spring or summer.
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Watch for pests like mealybugs and scale; treat with horticultural oil if found.
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Bring indoors or protect from temps below 30°F.
With proper care, these plants will thrive for years! Repot every 2-3 years in spring as the plant grows.
Ideal Growing Zone
Crassula obliqua can only be grown outdoors successfully in USDA hardiness zones 10-11 due to its lack of cold tolerance. This makes it an excellent choice for houseplants or container gardens on patios and decks. For colder zones, it must be overwintered indoors.
Interesting Facts About Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Here are some fun facts about this eye-catching succulent:
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The variegated leaves help reflect sunlight and prevent sunburn in its native South African habitat.
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Its succulent water-storing leaves allow it to tolerate drought when mature.
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Called “propeller plant” for its unique stacked propeller-shaped foliage.
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Sap from the leaves may cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
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Has been cultivated since the late 1800s; many new cultivars developed.
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Popular for ornamental use, dish gardens, fairy gardens, terrariums.
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Sometimes incorrectly labeled as Crassula arborescens.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Crassula obliqua may exhibit some issues if care needs are not met:
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Drooping leaves – Can indicate under-watering. Allow soil to dry before watering again.
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Overwatering – Causes leaves to turn translucent and drop off. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Insufficient sunlight – Leaves fade and lose color without enough light. Move to a brighter location.
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Leggy growth – Means it needs more sunlight. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier habit.
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Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Repot in fresh dry soil and cut off any rotted roots.
Tips for Growing Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Follow these tips to successfully grow Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’:
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Gradually introduce to brighter light to prevent leaf scorch. These plants love sun!
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Use terra cotta pots to help soil dry out faster between waterings.
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Top dress soil with sand or gravel to prevent crown rot.
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Mist leaves occasionally to boost humidity.
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Turn pot periodically to encourage even growth on all sides.
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Avoid repotting in mid-summer during dormant period. Repot in spring.
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Remove spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms.
How to Propagate Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Propagating lemon lime jade plants from cuttings is quite simple:
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Take 3-6 inch stem tip cuttings in spring or summer. Choose healthy, pest-free stems.
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Allow cut ends to callous/dry for a few days before planting.
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Stick cuttings shallowly in sandy succulent mix.
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Keep soil slightly moist but not saturated.
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Provide bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun while rooting.
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New growth will emerge within a few weeks once rooted.
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Transplant to own pots once well-rooted.
Taking cuttings is an easy, cost-effective way to make more plants!
Comparing Similar Succulents
Some succulents that resemble Crassula obliqua include:
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Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ – Tubular curled leaves, less color variegation.
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Crassula arborescens – Silver dollar jade plant, round compact shape.
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Crassula perforata – Has elongated spoon-shaped leaves like ‘lemon and lime’ but solid green color.
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Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ – Jelly bean plant, bean-shaped leaves with pink and white variegation. More cold hardy.
Displaying Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
There are many ways to showcase this colorful succulent:
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As a houseplant in bright sunny rooms. Provides year-round color inside.
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Mixed succulent container gardens and window boxes. Combine with other succulents like Echeveria, Aeonium, Senecio.
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Accent in fairy or miniature gardens. The small size works well.
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Terrariums and dish gardens. Excellent textural contrast.
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Borders, beds, and rock gardens in zones 10-11.
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Decorative indoor pots and planters to add a pop of color.
The vivid variegated foliage of Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’ works in any setting!
Where to Buy Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’
Here are some places to find these beautiful succulents:
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Online specialty nurseries – Offer mail order plants.
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Local independent garden centers – Check those with succulent sections.
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Big box stores – Sometimes have them seasonally.
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Plant swaps – Trade succulent cuttings with other gardeners.
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Farmer’s markets – Occasionally sold by local growers.
When buying, inspect plants closely and avoid those with pests, disease, or damage. Quarantine new plants before introducing them to others.
Final Thoughts
With its unique colorful foliage that requires minimal care, Crassula obliqua ‘Lemon and Lime’ makes a fantastic addition indoors and out. Just be sure to give it ample sunlight, well-draining soil, warm temperatures, and occasional watering to keep it looking its best. This charming succulent will provide years of enjoyment with the right conditions. Add it to your collection and enjoy its bright, vivid colors!
Nandina domestica ‘Lemon-Lime’ PP24749
Attractive heavenly bamboo with lime green new growth; this beauty will brighten dark spaces and add dimension with its fresh, citrus hue.
Part Sun to Shade
USDA Zones 6a – 10b
Everything You Need to Know About Lemon & Lime Crassula Ovata
FAQ
How do you care for Crassula obliqua lemon and lime?
While the plant thrives in full sun, they can do well in partial shade too. Try to keep the plant cool during the summers and reduce the number of hours it gets direct sunlight during the hottest days. The succulent can be propagated from cuttings.
Where is the best place to put Crassula plant?
Crassula requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
How to care for lemon and lime plants?
Care. A Dracaena Lemon Lime likes a medium lit spot in your home. Do not place your plant in direct sunlight or the leaves will be scorched, water once every 10 days and only once the soil is dry on top. Remove any brown leaves to encourage new growth.
How do you care for a lemon and lime prayer plant?
The Lemon Lime Prayer Plant enjoys a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It’s essential to avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves. Regular misting or a humidity tray will keep it thriving in drier indoor air.
How to care for Crassula ovata ‘lemon & lime’?
Crassula Ovata ‘Lemon & Lime’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Lemon & Lime healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided.
Is lemon & lime a jade plant?
Crassula ovata cv. Lemon & Lime (Variegated Jade Plant) is a slow growing cultivar close in appearance to the common jade plant but with shiny cream stripes on spoon-shaped leaves. Crassula are succulent, herbaceous plants. Some varieties are suitable for rock gardens in mild regions as long as the soil is well drained.
How to care for lemon & lime succulents?
The watering method is very important to keep your Lemon & Lime healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering. This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring.
Can You propagate lemon & lime from cuttings?
When propagating Lemon & Lime from cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant carefully with a clean knife or scissors. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How do you grow Crassula ovata variegata?
The Crasula Ovata Variegata grows best in well-draining soil as with most succulents. Good drainage is imperative as they are prone to root rot. Crassula ovata variegata is one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. They can be propagated by a leaf or a stem cutting.