Scientific Name
Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia Toelken
Common Name(s)
Ripple Jade
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "undulatifolia" (pronounced "un-dew-lay-tih-FOH-lee-uh") means "having undulated leaves" and refers to the leaves of this subspecies, which have margins with few undulations.
Origin
Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia is native to South Africa. It occurs in the southern parts of the Klein Winterhoek Mountains of the Eastern Cape.
Description
Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia is a succulent shrub with stout, fleshy branches that bear wavy, slightly fleshy leaves arranged in opposite pairs. It can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. The leaves are bluish-grey with dark green spots and reddish edges. They are elliptical, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width.
The flowers are star-shaped, range from white to pink, and appear in compact, rounded heads from spring to mid-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 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 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 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.
Forms
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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