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 "small column" or "little pillar" and refers to the tight arrangement of the leaves around the stem of this species, which creates a four-angled column shape.
Description
Crassula columella is an attractive, slow-growing succulent with velvety leaves that closely clasp erect stems, forming four-angled columns up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) thick. 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, measuring up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide.
In the fall, Crassula columella produces tubular flowers that can be cream or pale yellow and fade to brown. The flowers appear in small, round-topped clusters on hairy stalks that can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
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.
Hybrids of Crassula columella
How to Grow and Care for Crassula columella
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from below by letting the plant sit in a saucer, pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
These succulents are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. You can easily propagate Crassulas from a single leaf. To sprout leaves, place them in a succulent potting mix, then cover the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, ensure the soil is dry, then gently remove the plant from its 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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