Crassula deceptor

Scientific Name

Crassula deceptor Schönland & Baker f.

Synonym(s)

Crassula arta, Crassula cornuta, Crassula deceptrix

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Origin

Crassula deceptor is native to Namibia and South Africa (Northern Cape).

Description

Crassula deceptor is a dwarf columnar succulent with short erect branches and thick fleshy leaves tightly packed together in overlapping pairs along the branches. It can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height. The leaves are grey-green, covered in white papillae, ovate-triangular, and can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long.

The tiny flowers are cream-colored, fading to brown, and produced on a branched spike with loose cyme.

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 mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal. So, err on 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.

Hybrids

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