Scientific Name
Crassula alba var. parvisepala (Schönland) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula atrosanguinea, Crassula rubicunda var. parvisepala, Crassula similis, Crassula wilmsii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula alba var. parvisepala is found in grassland in the east of South Africa on high ground along the escarpment and the northern reaches of the Drakensberg.
Description
Crassula alba var. parvisepala is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of green leaves with densely scattered maroon spots. The rosettes can grow up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) tall. The leaves are sessile and lance-shaped, with entire margins that taper to an acute tip. While the basal rosette has the biggest leaves, those up the flower stalk are still substantial but decrease on the way up.
The pretty bouquet-like clusters of rosy-red flowers appear in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
These succulents are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Crassulas can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then cover the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
