Scientific Name
Crassula columella Marloth & Schönland
Common Name(s)
Silinderplakkie (Afrikaans)
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "columella" (pronounced "kol-um-EL-luh") means "a small column or pillar" and refers to the tight arrangement of the leaves around the stem of this species, forming a four-angled column.
Origin
Crassula columella is native to South Africa. It is restricted to the area between Grootmis and Lekkersing in the Northern Cape province and grows on upper slopes or in crevices in quartzite outcrops, usually on the southwestern aspect of low hills.
Description
Crassula columella is an attractive, slow-growing succulent with velvety leaves closely clasping around erect stems to form four-angled columns, which can reach a thickness of 0.8 inches (2 cm). The stems can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, with few branches from the base or at the top, forming a compact clump over time. The leaves are yellowish-green or often tinged red. They are broadly ovate, concave above, convex below, and can measure up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in width.
In the fall, Crassula columella produces tubular flowers, which can be cream or pale yellow, fading to brown. The flowers appear in small, round-topped clusters on hairy stalks that can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
Hybrids of Crassula columella
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, 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.
Learn 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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