Crassula 'Dorothy'

Scientific Name

Crassula 'Dorothy'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Etymology

The hybrid name honors Dorothy Dunn, a Life Member of the Palomar Cactus & Succulent Society in San Diego, California, United States.

Origin

Crassula 'Dorothy' is a hybrid that results from a cross between Crassula susannae and Crassula deceptor. It is probably a chance seedling that appeared at Cooper's Cactus and Succulents in Vista, California, United States.

Description

Crassula 'Dorothy' is a beautiful miniature succulent that forms rosettes of knobbly green leaves. It is a slow grower but gradually develops a dense clump. The rosettes grow up to 0.9 inches (2.2 cm) in diameter.

This hybrid is particularly floriferous, each rosette producing a cluster of yellow flowers on slender stalks that can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, usually in fall or sometimes in spring.

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. 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 plant 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.

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.

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