Scientific Name
Crassula exilis Harv.
Synonym(s)
Crassula exilis subsp. exilis, Crassula petraea
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "exilis" (pronounced "EKS-il-iss") means "small, thin, slender; lank, meagre, feeble, inadequate" and probably refers to the small overall size of this species.
Origin
Crassula exilis is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Description
Crassula exilis is a dwarf succulent that forms rosettes of usually grey-green leaves with scattered dark, dimpled spots on the upper surface and dark spots along the ciliate margins. It can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall, forming dense clusters of rosettes. The leaves can measure up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in width.
The flowers are small, cup-shaped, and have a musty, honey-like fragrance, ranging from white to pink. They appear in fall through to mid-winter.
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 mealybugs 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 plant sit in water. If you water from beneath, allowing the plant to sit in a saucer of water, make sure 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 covering 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 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Subspecies
- Crassula exilis subsp. cooperi
- Crassula exilis subsp. picturata
- Crassula exilis subsp. schmidtii
- Crassula exilis subsp. sedifolia
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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