Crassula exilis subsp. sedifolia

Scientific Name

Crassula exilis subsp. sedifolia (N.E.Br.) Toelken

Synonyms

Crassula aurosensis, Crassula sedifolia

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula exilis subsp. sedifolia is a much-branched succulent that forms dense mats of rather loose rosettes of fleshy usually grey-green leaves with dark irregularly placed dimpled spots on the upper surface. The leaves are up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and about 0.1 inches (0.3 cm) wide. Flowers are white to pinkish, with a musty honey-like fragrance, and appear in late summer through to late fall. They are cup-shaped and up to 0.12 inches (3 mm) in diameter.

This subspecies is more robust, and it is distinguished from the other subspecies by the absence of hairs on the peduncle.

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 (Northern Cape) and southern Namibia.