How to Maintain Your Propeller Plant Indoors

The Propeller Plant (Crassula perfoliata var. falcata): Origin and Care

If you have this eye-catching beauty in your collection, you know how hard it is to stop looking at it. Its leaf structure is so captivating, and reminiscent of an airplane propeller, that its popular name is the propeller plant.

Native and historical background

The Propeller plant was first documented in the West by Linnaeus in 1773. It originates in Southern Africa. Imitating its natural environment is important. This is crucial for the success of keeping this plant indoors. If you live outside zone 1-10, you will have to bring them inside.

Interesting Features

This plant is sought after, and a joy to have indoors because it is easy to care for.

Propeller plants are slow growing. They can reach a height of 1-2ft (30cm -60cm) indoors. They have the same width across. The distinctive leaves rise up from the stem in pairs. The pale greenish grey colour of the leaves add a nice contrast to your collection indoors or outdoors.

Leaves

The leaves are heavy and fleshy when full of their stored water. This is one of the ways the plant will tell you if there is an imbalance in the watering.

The texture of leaves is velvety. They are usually around 10-15cm (4-6in) long. The heavy leaves grow over the pot. Therefore, if grown in a pot, they may benefit from some support.

If you look closely, you will see a dusty farina on the leaves. It helps the plant filter sunlight.

Flowers

Flowers beautiful flowers bloom in the summer. They form panicled, (a panicle is a flower cluster that is loosely branched and pyramidal in shape) deep red/orange flowers. This bloom is unusual in the succulent world in that is has a cinnamon like fragrance which attracts insects.

Indoor Care for the Propeller Plant

Light

A sunny spot near a window with bright light while indoors is ideal. Placement is particularly important to get the best blooms in the summer. You will probably want to place it outside during this time. It needs at least three hours of sunlight per day. If there are light changes, the propeller plant may have red spots, but this does not harm the plant. It is a reaction to stress.

Temperature

Best temperature for indoor success would be in the 5 to 10C (41 to 50 F) range.

Soil and Potting

The optimum soil is one with good drainage, for this reason a cactus or succulent mix is recommended. If you want to make your own, you can use a mix of potting soil with coarse sand and perlite.

It is not necessary to replace the container within the year unless the plant has an amazing growth spurt.

Watering

As a member of the Crassulaceae family, the propeller plant thrives in a dry environment. It is can store what it needs in its leaves. One good soak is recommended. Afterward, the plant should dry out completely before watering again. Otherwise, the plant may experience root rot. This will show in yellowing and the leaves becoming soft leaves.

Watch the leaves, if they become wrinkled, it is time to water. Water the soil not the leaves.

Fertilizer

It is not necessary to fertilize the propeller plant if it seems robust in its current soil. However, if you think it could use some encouragement, fertilize once per month. Do this in its growing cycle during spring and summer. Use a very diluted mix.

Propagation

This is a very easy plant to propagate and does most of the work all by itself. If you want more plantlets, take single stem cuttings. To encourage dense growth, use the offshoots of leaves. When you cut a leaf for this purpose, make sure you let it dry to form a callus before planting.

Pests

I like to refer to the common pests as the ‘usual suspects’. Sometimes it is hard to tell which one is doing the damage, or if it is a team effort. I am, of course, referring to the nemesis of house plants, mealybugs, spider mites and aphids. The propeller is magnet indoors for spider mites, so check between the top leaves for signs.

A favorite homemade solution, which could work for you too, uses three drops of eucalyptus oil. Then, add a teaspoon of detergent and two cups of water.

Final thoughts…

Now you have all you need to bring this beautiful plant indoors. Make space for it and enjoy. Its energy is captivating and soothing, in addition, it will expand your plant relationship.

Breathe.

Like what you’ve read? Subscribe to our blog by adding your email to the form on the right. You will be the first to hear about our latest updates.