Scientific Name
Crassula marchandii Friedrich
Synonyms
Crassula x marchandii, Crassula otzenii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula marchandii, also known as Crassula x marchandii, is an attractive, shiny-leaved succulent, usually deep green to dark maroon (depending on how much sun or cold it is getting). It has barely rounded leaves that are stacked to create a smooth, square column up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall. The leaves are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long. It has inconspicuous, grayish-green flowers.
Photo via flickr.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °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 covering 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Origin
Crassula marchandii is native to South Africa (Cape Province). It is possibly a natural hybrid between Crassula grisea and Crassula plegmatoides.
Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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