Scientific Name
Crassula alba var. parvisepala (Schönland) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula rubicunda var. parvisepala, Crassula wilmsii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The generic name "Crassula" (pronounced "KRASS-oo-la") means "somewhat thick" and refers to the thick, fleshy, and succulent nature of the leaves and stems that are characteristic of nearly every species in this genus.
The specific epithet "alba" (pronounced "AL-ba") means "white" and refers to the first description of this species in 1775, which was for a white-flowered plant; only later were red and pink-flowered plants found.
The varietal epithet "parvisepala" (pronounced "par-vee-SEP-uh-luh") means "small-sepaled; having small sepals" and refers to the shorter sepals of this variety compared to Crassula alba var. alba.
Description
Crassula alba var. parvisepala is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of green leaves with maroon, densely scattered 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 largest leaves, those on the flower stalk are still substantial but decrease in size as they rise.
The pretty, bouquet-like clusters of rosy-red flowers appear in summer.
Origin
Crassula alba var. parvisepala is found in grassland in eastern South Africa, on high ground along the escarpment and in the northern reaches of the Drakensberg.
Hybrids of Crassula alba var. parvisepala
How to Grow and Care for Crassula alba var. parvisepala
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, so err on the side of being too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by allowing the plant to sit in a saucer, 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, then gently remove the plant from its pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. 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.
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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