Crassula mesembrianthemopsis

Scientific Name

Crassula mesembrianthemopsis Dinter

Synonym(s)

Crassula mesembryanthemopsis

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula mesembrianthemopsis is a succulent plant with a thick underground stem and one or few dense rosettes of green to brown or grey-green, almost club-shaped leaves with a flat tip. The leaves are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide. Flowers are small, white to cream with yellow anthers, and appear in compact clusters partially hidden by the leaves in 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 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, 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 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 (Namaqualand) and Namibia.

Hybrids

Photo Gallery

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