Crassula deltoidea is a great choice for pot cultivation and is incredibly drought-resistant, making it one of the most drought-adapted species in its genus.
Scientific Name
Crassula deltoidea Thunb.
Common Name(s)
Silver Beads
Synonym(s)
Crassula rhomboidea, Creusa deltoidea
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "deltoidea (del-TOY-dee-uh)" means "deltoid; triangular" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this species.
Origin
The native range of Crassula deltoidea extends from southeastern Namibia to the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces of South Africa as far east as Prince Albert. It usually grows on bare gravelly soil in depressions or on lower slopes in karroid vegetation.
Description
Crassula deltoidea is a small succulent that forms a low mound of short branches with grey-green leaves covered with small warts and grey flaking wax. The branches are fleshy, brittle, erect to spreading, and can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long. The leaves are highly succulent, opposite, rhombic to oblanceolate, and joined at the base. They are flat to concave above and strongly convex to keeled below. When exposed to intense sunlight, the leaves take on red hues. The size of the leaves is variable and can measure up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 04 inches (1 cm) wide.
During spring, Crassula deltoidea produces urn-shaped flowers in compact, rounded clusters on short stalks. The flowers have sepals the same color as the leaves, cream-coloured or sometimes white petals, and stamens with black anthers.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula deltoidea
Light: Crassula deltoidea prefers full sun to partial shade. However, avoid intense afternoon sun during the hot summer days, as it can burn the leaves. If growing the plant indoors, place it in a window with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: This plant is not particular about soil pH, but it does require soil that is very porous and has excellent drainage. You can use commercial soil mix for succulents or create your own.
Temperature: While this succulent can tolerate average summer temperatures and short-term freezing, extreme cold or heat can cause it to lose leaves and even die. Crassula deltoidea grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: Avoid overwatering using the "soak and dry" method to keep the plant healthy. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. The potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: While Crassula deltoidea does not require high levels of nutrients, it will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: Repot the plant as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Make sure the soil is dry before beginning to repot.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by leaves and stem cuttings. Using leaves is the easiest method, but stem cuttings produce larger plants more quickly. It can also be grown from seeds. The best time for propagation by cuttings is at the beginning of the growing season, while sowing seeds is ideal during spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula deltoidea
Crassula deltoidea is considered non-toxic and is safe for growing around children and pets.
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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