Propeller Plant Care Info: How to Grow and Maintain Crassula falcata
The propeller plant is one of the few succulents that does well indoors. Its fleshy sickle-shaped leaves that resemble airplane propellers are attractive enough, but the plant also offers a pop of summer color with stunning red flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Flowering occurs from late spring to mid summer typically when many other plants are not in peak bloom. The tiny, brilliant scarlet-red flowers easily last up to a month. Providing cooler conditions during the summer months can encourage your propellent plant to bloom.
Native to South Africa, this succulent makes a great addition to any succulent garden. I have grown it as a stand-alone in containers and it equally looks beautiful. Although sensitive to cold, its maintenance is low as long as it’s grown in a bright spot with a well-draining potting mix.
Before we dive into its care information, here are a few facts about this amazing succulent.
| Common names | Propeller plant, Airplane plant, Sickle plant |
| Botanical name | Crassula perfoliata var. falcata |
| Plant type | Perennial succulent |
| Mature size | 24 inches tall and 12 inches wide |
| Bloom time | Late spring to mid-summer |
| Flower color | Brilliant scarlet red |
| Sun exposure | Full sun to partial |
| Soil type | Well-draining with acidic to neutral pH |
| Hardiness zones | 9-11 (USDA) |
| Toxicity | Not toxic to pet and humans |
How to grow and care for propeller plant
The propeller plant can be grown in the USDA zones 9-11 including areas like Texas, Arizona and in parts of and the southern parts of the southeastern states. Since this is a plant for warm climates, it is important to move it indoors during the cold winters.
How to water
Like most succulents, the propeller plant needs less watering. Its succulent leaves can store water making it survive extended periods of drought. So avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot and other fungal issues. During the winter months, you should significantly reduce watering.
Before watering your plant start by checking the moisture level in the soil using your finger, ensure the soil is completely dry. When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until some water comes out of the drainage holes. However, ensure the plant isn’t sitting in any standing water.
Light requirements
The airplane succulent is a full-sun plant that needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. When growing indoors, place it in a place with bright indirect light. You can choose an east or south-facing window but avoid the intense afternoon sun as it can scorch the leaves.
In places with inadequate light, propeller plants can grow too tall and weak. In such a case, you might want to supplement the natural light with artificial grow lights. The plant might not bloom as needed when the light provided is not sufficient.
Soil and fertilization
When planting the propeller plant, use soil that drains well. As said, soils that retain water can cause root rot and death of the plant. A premade cactus or succulent soil will do the trick. Alternatively, make your own blend by mixing potting soil, sand, and pumice or perlite in equal parts.
During the growing season, fertilize your airplane plant once or twice to boost growth. Use a well-balanced succulent formula diluted to half-strength. Additionally, ensure the soil pH ranges between acidity to neural for better growth.
Temperature and humidity
Propeller plant is not cold-hardy but can tolerate a range of temperatures between 50°F and 86°F (10℃ to 30℃). It can be grown outside in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. During cold winters, it’s important to protect it from freezing temperatures or move it indoors.
This plant is also adaptable to a range of humidity levels but excessively dry air can cause leaves to shrivel. In drier conditions, it’s important to mist the plant occasionally or place a tray of water near it to boost humidity. Nevertheless, average indoor humidity is sufficient.
Potting and repotting
Crassula falcata plants aren’t fast growers, but they can benefit from being repotted every 3 to 5 years when they become root-bound. Roots popping outside the drainage holes are a sign that a larger pot is required. Repotting also helps provide fresh nutrients for healthy growth.
The right time to repot your propeller plant is during the growing season in spring or summer. Use a pot a few inches bigger than the existing one. Make sure it has drainage holes and your potting soil is well draining. Don’t go for a pot that’s too big as it can also retain excessive moisture.
Pruning requirements
The propeller plant is a slow grower which makes pruning unnecessary unless you want to remove dead flower heads or promote a sturdy bushy growth. If you decide to prune, use a sterilized cutting tool to avoid spreading pathogens that may cause diseases.
How to propagate the propeller plant
If you want to expand your collection or share the propeller plant with friends and family, you can easily propagate by leaf cuttings or offsets. The ideal time to propagate this succulent is during the growth season in spring or summer.
- Choose a plump, healthy leaf from the base of your propeller plant.
- Gently twist the leaf off the stem, ensuring it does not damage.
- Place the leaf in a warm, dry, and shady location for a few days to allow the cut end to callous over. This helps prevent rot.
- Insert the calloused end of the leaf into a well-draining potting mix.
- Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- Water the pot only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Within a few weeks, you should see tiny new plantlets emerging from the base of the leaf.
Alternatively, check for side shoots or offsets and carefully separate them from the mother plant using a sterilized cutting tool. Plant in well-draining soil and place the pot in a location with bright indirect light. Continue to water when the soil is completely dry.
Diseases and common problems
The Crassula falcata propeller plant is tolerant to heat, pests, and deer, but sometimes it can encounter a few issues. Root rot is one of the most common problems that is caused by overwatering or when the soil is not draining properly.
Overwatering results in too much water filling the air pockets in the soil causing the plant to suffocate. The soggy soil condition also encourages fungi that cause roots to rot. Signs of root rot include leaf drop, plant shriveling, or leaves turning yellow.
To fix root rot, you should cut off the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh well-draining soil. To prevent this problem, water your propeller plant only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. You can always use your finger to check the moisture level in the soil before watering.
Pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can sometimes infest plants that don’t receive proper care. Since they feed on sap, your plant may start losing its luster and sometimes stagnating in growth. Regular inspection can help in the early detection of pests.
If pests are discovered, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them or use an insecticidal soap. Growing your airplane plant is a well-ventilated bright location, regular inspection, and ensuring proper drainage are essential in keeping it free from these problems.
My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
