Please help- Flowering Crassula v poorly after infestation

Discussion in 'Cacti and Succulents' started by Bluebell Q, Feb 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM.

  1. Bluebell Q

    Bluebell Q Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello, I would be so grateful for any advice. I’m new to Crassula and have recently re home several spectacular trees. My most beloved Crassula, whom I have owned only a few months but which gives me so much joy, recently became infected with aphids and developed black mould all over her leaves. I believe the aphids were attracted by her abundant flowers as they were concentrated in the blooms. I followed local garden centre advice and cut off every single flower, spent a total of about 8 hours wiping every leaf clean with bicarbonate of soda solution, then I hosed the plant clean so there was no residue, and then I gave her a very thorough dowsing with Babybio Houseplant Bug Killer spray. That was 7 days ago, so far so good, no more aphids or mould. BUT

    My beautiful Crassula still looks so miserable! her leaves are wrinkled and flaccid and leathery and have flopped, this doesn’t seem to be improving, and she has lost a number of them. She sits in a bay window and gets lots of natural daylight, and previously she lived in a conservatory.

    How can I help her recover please? Do I urgently need to feed her or is there something else I can do? I attach before and after-cleaning and spraying photos
    Thank you for any pearls you can push my way!
     

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  2. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    It could be due to over watering, and/or being too warm. They also grow slowly, and usually in summer, so don't expect new shoots yet - it needs a rest until springtime.
     
  3. Bluebell Q

    Bluebell Q Apprentice Gardener

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    Thank you for your reply!
    Plant is definitely not too warm- it’s in a fairly chilly bay window to try to emulate previous life in a conservatory, and I give it a cup of water a month, maybe less. I think the loss of condition is due to aphid infestation. I just want to know if there’s anything I can do to help the plant recover now I’ve ridded it of insects. I bought some BabyBio today and may try to give it a feed….
     
  4. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    I wouldn't feed it yet, winter isn't a time for new growth. If you encourage it to grow new shoots now they may be weak and spindly due to lack of light in the short days.
     
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