Crassula arborescens (Silver Dollar Plant)

Scientific Name

Crassula arborescens (Mill.) Willd.

Common Names

Silver Dollar, Silver Dollar Plant, Silver Dollar Jade, Silver Jade Plant, Chinese Jade, Tree Crassula, Beestebul, Money Plant, Round-Leaved Crassula

Synonyms

Cotyledon arborescens (basionym), Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens, Cotyledon punctata, Crassula arborea, Crassula cotyledon, Crassula cotyledonifolia

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula arborescens is a many-branched succulent shrub or small tree that grows up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. It has an attractive appearance in both its natural habitat and cultivated gardens. Leaves are blue-gray, fat, rounded, and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. They are often edged maroon and have reddish spots on the upper surface. The star-like flowers are white to pink and appear from spring to 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 they are susceptible to mealybugs 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 covering the dish until they sprout.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill 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.

Origin

Crassula arborescens is an endemic plant of South Africa (Eastern Cape, Western Cape).