Scientific Name
Crassula badspoortensis van Jaarsv.
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
This species is endemic to a small area near Calitzdorp in Western Cape, South Africa, mainly growing on quartzitic sandstone cliffs.
Description
Crassula badspoortensis is a small, sparsely branched succulent shrub with spreading stems that become pendulous and thick, fleshy, broadly ovate leaves. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall with a spread of 16 inches (40 cm). Stems are about 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) in diameter with up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long internodes. Leaves are smooth, glaucous to whitish-green, flat to slightly biconvex, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, and nearly equal in width. The inflorescences are short rounded thyrses up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter. Flowers are white, star-shaped, 5-merous, and appear in summer and fall.
Etymology
The specific epithet "badspoortensis (bads-poort-EN-sis)" means "Of or from Badspoort" and refers to Badspoort (gorge in Western Cape, South Africa), where this species was first discovered in 2001.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula badspoortensis
Light: C. badspoortensis prefers full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer can burn the leaves of the plant. Therefore, a place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Indoors, place your plants in a window where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: This plant is not particular about soil pH but requires very porous soil with excellent drainage. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for use with succulents or mix your own.
Hardiness: Like most Crassulas, this succulent will tolerate some short-term freezing, but extremes of cold or heat will cause it to lose leaves and die. C. badspoortensis can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: Avoid overwatering by using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained, and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: C. badspoortensis does not need much feeding but will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: Repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the period of active growth. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: This succulent is generally started by leaves or stem cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds and offsets. The easiest way is to propagate C. badspoortensis from a single leaf, while using stem cuttings is the fastest way to get a decent-sized plant. These processes are most successful if done at the beginning of the plant's active growth period. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer. Propagating by dividing offsets is very easy because the parent plant has already done most of the work for you.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula badspoortensis
C. 'Alice Herbert' is nontoxic to people and pets.
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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