Crassula exilis

Scientific Name

Crassula exilis Harv.

Synonyms

Crassula exilis subsp. exilis, Crassula petraea

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula exilis is a small succulent that grows up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall, forming dense clusters of rosettes. Leaves are up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. They are usually grey-green with dark, irregularly placed, dimpled spots on the upper surface and dark spots along the ciliate margins. Flowers appear in fall through to mid-winter. They are small, cup-shaped, and white to more or less pink, with a musty honey-like fragrance.

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 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 by letting the plant 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, 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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.

Origin

Crassula exilis is native to South Africa (Cape Province).