How to Grow and Care for Bokie Plant

The Crassula ‘Bokie’ is a succulent with distinct, fleshy, silvery-green leaves that grow in a stacked formation. The tips of the leaves can develop other hues. Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for windowsills or small, indoor garden arrangements.

Bokie Plant Care

Light

The Bokie plant requires bright light to maintain its compact shape and color. A location with several hours of direct morning sunlight is ideal, but it needs protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. When grown indoors, a southern-facing window is a suitable spot. Insufficient light will cause the plant to stretch and become elongated.

Soil

Like other succulents, the Bokie plant is susceptible to root rot and requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent water from accumulating around its roots. Commercial cactus or succulent potting mixes are effective. To create your own mix, combine standard potting soil with materials like perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and aeration.

Water

The Bokie plant is more tolerant of dry conditions than excessive moisture. Use the “soak and dry” method: water the plant thoroughly until water exits the drainage holes, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. During the winter, the plant’s growth slows, and its water requirements decrease.

Temperature and Humidity

Bokie plants prefer daytime temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. While they can tolerate cooler nights, they must be protected from frost, as temperatures below 30°F will cause damage. These succulents are well-suited to average indoor humidity levels and do not require special arrangements to increase moisture.

Fertilizer

Bokie plants are adapted to low-nutrient soil and do not require much fertilizer. During the spring and summer growing season, a light feeding can be beneficial. Apply a cactus and succulent fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once every few months. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the plant.

Propagating Bokie Plants

Bokie plants are most successfully propagated through stem cuttings. Leaf propagation is also possible by twisting off a healthy leaf and placing it on top of the soil, though this method is less reliable. For stem cuttings:

• Use a clean, sharp tool to take a cutting that is a few inches long from a healthy stem.
• Remove the lowest set of leaves to expose a small section of the stem.
• Allow the cutting to dry in a shaded area for several days until the cut end forms a callus to prevent rot.
• Plant the callused end in a small pot with a well-draining succulent mix.
• Keep the soil lightly moist to encourage root development without causing rot.

Common Issues and Solutions

Overwatering is a common problem that leads to soft, yellowing leaves and root rot. The solution is to follow the “soak and dry” method and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim off any brown, mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.

Bokie plants can be affected by pests, especially mealybugs. These appear as small, white, cottony masses in the crevices between leaves and stems. Mealybugs feed on the plant’s sap, causing stunted growth. To remove them, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant’s stems stretch and become elongated as it seeks light, resulting in a less compact shape. To fix this, move the plant to a location where it receives several hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily, as described in the light requirements.

Repotting Instructions

Repot a Bokie plant every two to three years, or when it becomes top-heavy or its roots grow out of the drainage holes. The best time to repot is in the spring, at the start of the active growth period. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger in diameter than the current one to avoid excess soil that can retain too much moisture.

When repotting:

• Carefully remove the plant from its old container and gently shake off the old soil.
• Inspect the roots for any signs of rot and trim away unhealthy sections.
• Place a layer of fresh, well-draining succulent mix in the new pot.
• Position the plant in the center and fill the surrounding space with more soil.
• Wait a few days before watering to allow the roots to settle and recover.