Crassula helmsii (Swamp Stonecrop, New Zealand Pigmyweed)

Scientific Name

Crassula helmsii (Kirk) Cockayne

Common Names

Swamp Stonecrop, Australian Swamp Stonecrop, New Zealand Pigmyweed

Synonyms

Bulliarda recurva, Tillaea helmsii, Crassula recurva

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula helmsii is a small aquatic or semiterrestrial species of succulent plant. The shoots are rather stiff, carrying narrow parallel-sided leaves in opposite pairs, each leaf being up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Small white flowers with four petals are produced in summer on long stalks arising from the upper leaf axils.

Photo via wikipedia.org

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.

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.