Scientific Name
Crassula cultrata L.
Common Name(s)
Bush Plakkie, Sharp-leaved Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula torquata, Globulea cultrata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula cultrata is a succulent shrub with woody branches and fleshy leaves arranged in opposite pairs. It grows up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. The stems are usually erect and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Leaves are usually yellowish-green with reddish margins, becoming reddish-brown. The inflorescence is an elongated thyrse made up of one terminal and several smaller heads on side branches of many loosely clustered flowers atop an up to 1 foot (30 cm) long peduncle. The individual flowers are tiny and yellowish-green.
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 they are susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, 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, make sure 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, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill 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.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Advertisements