Scientific Name
Crassula hemisphaerica Thunb.
Synonym(s)
Crassula alooides
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "hemisphaerica" (pronounced "hem-is-FEER-ih-ka") means "hemispherical" and refers to the hemispherical shape of the rosettes of this species.
Origin
Crassula hemisphaerica is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Description
Crassula hemisphaerica is a succulent plant with usually one rosette, rarely 2 or 3, of recurved, tightly packed leaves, so the rosette is hemispherical in section. It can reach a height of 6 inches (15 cm) when flowering. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and vary in color from green and grey-green to brownish-green. They can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide.
The small white or cream-colored flowers appear on upright stalks that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs 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 Crassula sit in water. If you water from beneath by allowing the plant to sit in a saucer, ensure you pour off any excess water after a few minutes. Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. 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, 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 out as you repot.
See 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
