Crassula exilis | World of Succulents

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 dense, mat forming succulent. The leaves are usually grey-green with dark irregularly placed dimpled spots on the upper surface, up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) wide, with a row of dark spots along the ciliate margins. The flowers appear in late summer through to late autumn. They are small and cup-shaped, up to 0.12 inch (3 mm) in diameter and white to more or less pink, with a musty honey-like fragrance.

Photo via jardinexotiqueroscoff.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassula 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.

Crassula 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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Crassula