2022 | HOW TO CARE FOR CRASSULA MARGINALIS RUBRA VARIEGATA (CALICO KITTEN)

The Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata also known as  Crassula Pellucida ‘Variegata’, and Calico Kitten, has beautiful heart-shaped small leaves that are scattered all around the pot, giving it a beautiful appearance and making it a heart favorite choice for an indoor plant. Its leaves change their color from mildly pink green to dark pink green, making them look more appealing to eyes. To add more beauty to them they also produce small flowers during the spring season.

This plant is native to South Africa and grows naturally in the well-draining sloppy terrain. It can survive the cold temperature and frost for a short period of time. It is best to grow them inside if you are planting them in any cold region. Calico Kitten is the best choice to add aesthetic beauty to your home garden or rooms.

How to Water Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata (Calico Kitten)

As Calcio Kitten is a succulent plant, it has the water requirements similar to them, you can water it in similar way as you water your other succulent plants. You can also try the “Soak and Dry” method. In this, you let the plant completely dry and then provide it water once again

Follow the instructions below:

• First, make sure that your plant’s potting soil has completely dried. To check this, you can dip your finger in the potting soil and sense any moisture, or you can check the weight of your pot.
• If the pot is heavy that means it has some water left inside it but if it is normal in weight that means it is dry and you can water your plant.
• Water it sparingly and only provides enough water. Overwatering is harmful and can damage its roots.
• You can prepare a schedule to water it based on your climate and environmental factors, mostly this plant needs water 3 to 4 times a month.

Lighting and Temperature needs for Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata (Calico Kitten)

Calico Kitten requires plenty of light for faster growth, if you are planning on planting it indoors, make sure to place it somewhere bright. If you have a window that faces the east side, that is the best place for it. This plant requires partial to full sun in the winter and partial sun to partial shade during the summer.

They like the mildly hot temperatures, (Below 105° F or 40° C). The optimum temperature for their growth is around 70° F or 25° C but they can also be grown in the cold regions. They can survive the frost as well for a short time. It is best to keep them inside if you are planning to grow them in a very cold region. 

Soil needs for Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata (Calico Kitten)

Calico Kitten likes well-drained soil that is porous and allows the water to quickly drain. This is because its roots cannot grow properly in a soil that can trap water, this can damage them as well and your plant may even die due to it.

This type of soils mostly contains more sand and other materials such as perlite, pumice stones, and natural fertilizers. This type of soil helps the plant quickly drain out the excess water and boosts its growth rate.

Fertilizer for Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata (Calico Kitten)

This plant needs optimal conditions to thrive and show faster growth. If your plant is not showing the signs of quick growth that means your plant needs more nutrients, and you can provide these nutrients in terms of fertilizers.

Most of the time, house plant fertilizers are added to the potting soil, and after the plantation, the plant is fed with a mixture of water and house plant fertilizer. You can feed your plant this house plant fertilizer mixture once a month, to boost its growth. Do not overfeed your plant the fertilizers because it can kill the plant by damaging the roots.

How to Repot Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata (Calico Kitten)

Calico Kitten grows very fast and mostly outgrow their pot within a year, that is why it is advised to repot them each year. The best season for the repotting is the start of the spring. To report your Calico Kitten plant, you need to pick a bigger pot and fill it with the soil (a mixture of sandy soil, and other materials). Now uproot your plant carefully without damaging its roots and then transfer it in the new pot. After that provide it some water and keep it in a bright place.

How to Propagate Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata (Calico Kitten)

There are two methods to propagate the Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata.

Offsets:

This plant grows smaller offsets around the mother plant that can be cut with the help of a knife and left to callous for some time and then transferred to the pot. Provide them water and keep under the sun for some days.

Stem/ Leave Cuttings:

You can also grow this plant from the stem or leave cuttings, you need to take cuttings from a mature plant with the help of a sterile sharp knife, and let these cuttings dry, after that plant them in the new pot, provide them water and leave them in the sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do you propagate a Calico Kitten?

Answer: You can propagate the Calico Kitten by two methods, (1) from their offsets (2) from the cutting method (stem and leaves cuttings).

Question: How do you take care of a Calico Kitten?

Answer: Calico Kitten is a succulent plant, so it likes the dry and warm environment and partial to full sunlight. Provide these to your plant to take care of it.

Question: Can you grow Calico Kitten indoor?

Answer: Yes, they can be grown inside as well but you need to provide them plenty of light and for this purpose, you can keep them in the windows or a place where it can get enough light. 

 Question: How big can a Calico Kitten grow?

Answer: Calico Kitten can grow upto 6 inches high and its branches quickly spread all around the pot.