Scientific Name
Crassula cremnophila van Jaarsv. & A.E.van Wyk
Common Name(s)
Miniature Crassula
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula cremnophila is a dwarf succulent that forms compact hemispherical rosettes of glaucous green leaves. At first sight, you could think it is Crassula hemisphaerica. Still, it differs by its broadly obovate leaves, rounded thyrse, and much larger flowers than those of Crassula hemisphaerica. The rosettes can reach 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 1.3 inches (3.2 cm) wide and can partially get a reddish glow when the plant is grown in bright sunlight or is sparingly watered. There is a row of densely stacked white hairs on the leaf edges, so the leaves seem to have a white rim.
The scented flowers are white or pink, up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) long, and appear from spring to midsummer.
Origin
Crassula cremnophila is native to South Africa. It occurs on the sheer rock faces of the Baviaanskloof and Kouga River regions.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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 mealy bugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your Crassula sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, ensure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
Crassulas are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf: sprout leaves by placing them into a succulent or cacti mix, then covering the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, 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 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.
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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