Crassula alstonii is a rare, dwarf succulent native to the arid Namaqualand region of South Africa, highly prized by collectors for its distinctive "stacked" appearance. In its natural habitat, this plant grows close to the quartz sand surface; however, when cultivated at home, it can grow taller and develop multiple heads.
Taxonomy of Crassula alstonii
Scientific Name
Crassula alstonii Marloth
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, succulent leaves and stems characteristic of nearly every species in this genus.
The specific epithet "alstonii" (pronounced "al-STON-ee-eye") honors Edward Garwood Alston🡕 (1862–1934), a farm manager and plant collector in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. He sent plants, including this species, to Peter MacOwan🡕 and Selmar Schönland🡕.
Description
Crassula alstonii is a beautiful dwarf succulent with short stems covered in grey-green, velvety, closely adpressed leaves that form an almost spherical rosette. It can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall, with a single stem or only sparingly branched at the base. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 2 inches (5 cm). The leaves are orbicular to broadly obovate, flat above, and slightly swollen below. They can measure up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.9 inches (2.2 cm) wide.
The flowers, which appear in the fall, are tubular, cream to pale yellow, and turn brown. The inflorescence is a rounded but often irregularly branched thyrse with a peduncle covered with recurved hairs. The peduncle can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. This species is monocarpic, which means the rosette dies after blooming.
Origin
Crassula alstonii is native to South Africa. It grows on gentle slopes or flats among quartzitic or gneissic gravel from Lekkersing to Komaggas in the Northern Cape province.
Hybrids of Crassula alstonii
How to Grow and Care for Crassula alstonii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Light: Crassula alstonii prefers full sun to partial shade. However, avoid intense afternoon sun during the hot summer days, as it can burn the leaves. If you're growing the plant indoors, place it in a window that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: This plant isn't particular about soil pH, but it does require soil that is very porous and drains well. You can use a commercial succulent mix or create your own.
Temperature: This succulent tolerates average summer temperatures and short-term freezing, but extreme cold or heat can cause it to drop leaves and even die. Crassula alstonii grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Avoid overwatering using the "soak and dry" method to keep the plant healthy. Water deeply and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Potted plants need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: While Crassula alstonii does not require high levels of nutrients, it will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: Repot the plant as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: You can propagate Crassula alstonii by stem cuttings, leaves, and seeds. Stem cuttings are generally the easiest and most reliable method, while leaf propagation may be less successful. The best time to take cuttings is during active growth. Let the cut surfaces dry before planting in a well-draining soil mix. You can sow seeds in spring or autumn under suitable conditions.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula alstonii
Crassula alstonii is non-toxic and safe to grow around children and pets.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Crassula.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.