Crassula lactea (Taylor's Parches)

Scientific Name

Crassula lactea Aiton

Common Name(s)

Taylor's Parches, Tailor's Patch, Knysna Crassula

Synonym(s)

Toelkenia lactea

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula lactea is a trailing succulent with mid-green leaves with a tapering tip and a wide base that clasps the stem. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide. The younger leaves are marked along the margins of the upper surface by small, white, evenly spaced dots. In winter, the flower clusters appear on up to 4 inches (10 cm) long stems, rising above the foliage. Flowers are white, star-shaped, and last several weeks on the plant.

Crassula lactea (Taylor's Parches) — *Photo via davesgarden.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassulas 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 plant 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.

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, 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.

Origin

This species is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape, Western Cape).