Scientific Name
Crassula grisea Schönland
Synonym(s)
Crassula ihlenfeldtii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "grisea" (pronounced "GREE-see-uh") means "gray" and refers to the often grayish color of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Crassula grisea is native to South Africa.
Description
Crassula grisea is a more or less branched succulent with erect stems that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall when flowering. The leaves are tiny, opposite, and cylindrical with rounded or pointed tips and tapering bases. The decussate arrangement of leaves on the brittle stems may be more or less regular and pronounced on different plants. The leaf color may be green to grayish green, brown, or reddish orange. There may be a finely velvety or a glabrous surface on the leaves.
Growing on a single hairy stalk that emerges from a stem-top, each inflorescence consists of a dense cluster of small flowers. There may be several on one plant. The petals form a bell-shaped corolla for the individual flower.
Hybrids of Crassula grisea
How to Grow and Care for Crassula grisea
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 allowing the plant sit in a saucer, ensure you 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 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.
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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