Scientific Name
Crassula 'Imperialis'
Accepted Scientific Name
Common Name(s)
Giant Watch Chain
Synonym(s)
Crassula × imperialis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula 'Imperialis' is likely a thicker form of Crassula muscosa rather than a hybrid, as some believe.
Description
Crassula 'Imperialis' is a small, densely branched succulent with tiny light green to grey-green or brownish-green leaves densely packed around branching, erect to decumbent stems. It forms a square mass similar to Crassula muscosa but thicker. The stems can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
The flowers are tiny, pale yellowish-green to brown, and appear in summer and fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of being too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant 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.
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 cover 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, and remove 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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