Scientific Name
Crassula acinaciformis Schinz
Common Name(s)
Giant Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula alooides, Crassula goetzeana, Crassula inaequalis, Purgosea aloides, Turgosea aloides
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "acinaciformis (ah-see-na-SEE-for-mis)" means "having the form of a scimitar" and refers to the shape of the leaves.
Origin
Crassula acinaciformis is native to South Africa (south-eastern Transvaal and north-eastern Natal) and Swaziland.
Description
Crassula acinaciformis is a succulent plant that forms a large, usually solitary rosette of green to yellowish-green leaves that turn red when stressed. It can grow to 4.3 feet (1.3 m) tall, including the flat-topped inflorescence with many white to pale yellow flowers. The leaves are narrowly triangular with finely toothed margins, measuring up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
The flowers appear from mid-summer to fall.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula acinaciformis
Light: Crassula plants prefer full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer can burn the leaves of the plants. Nevertheless, most Crassulas can be grown indoors if given enough light.
Soil: They are not particular about soil pH, but Crassulas require very porous soil with excellent drainage.
Hardiness: Crassula acinaciformis can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: These plants have typical watering needs for succulents. Avoid overwatering using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained, and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilizing: Crassulas will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when they start actively growing.
Repotting: Repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of active growth.
Propagation: Crassulas are generally started by leaves or stem cuttings. They can also be grown from seeds and offsets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula acinaciformis
Crassula plants are generally nontoxic to people and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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