Scientific Name
Crassula alpestris L.f.
Common Name(s)
Sand-coated Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris, Purgosea alpestris, Tetraphyle alpestris
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula alpestris is native to South Africa.
Description
Crassula alpestris is a small succulent that forms a dense clump of stems with fleshy triangular leaves that tightly clasp the stem and the leaves above. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and spreading to a similar size. The numerous fleshy stems branch only from the base of the plant and are fed by a short taproot. The leaves are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide at the base, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long, and taper to a sharp point. They are arranged oppositely, with each leaf pair at 90 degrees to the pair above and below, resulting in a curious 4-ranked square-stemmed appearance.
Flowers are white, sometimes tinged with pink or red, clustered into a dense thyrse at the tips of only the most mature stems.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, 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, ensure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
These succulents are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then covering the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, 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. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See 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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