Scientific Name
Crassula hemisphaerica Thunb.
Synonym(s)
Crassula alooides
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula hemisphaerica is a succulent plant with usually one, rarely 2 or 3 rosettes of recurved tightly packed leaves, so the rosette is hemispherical in section. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall when flowering. Leaves are thick and fleshy and vary in color from green and grey-green to brownish-green. They are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The small flowers are white or cream-colored and appear on erect, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long stems.
Etymology
The specific epithet "hemisphaerica" refers to the hemispherical shape of the rosettes.
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 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, ensure to 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.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
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
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