Scientific Name
Crassula muscosa 'Cristata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Crassula muscosa L.
Synonym(s)
Crassula lycopodioides f. cristata, Crassula muscosa f. cristata, Crassula lycopodioides 'Cristata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula muscosa 'Cristata' is a form of Crassula muscosa selected for its mutated growth.
Description
Crassula muscosa 'Cristata', also known as Crassula lycopodioides 'Cristata', is a small succulent with unique, fan-shaped growths on some of its stems. Although regular specimens occasionally develop these crests, some crested plants also produce normal shoots. The plant has tiny, light green leaves that are densely packed around its stems.
The tiny flowers are cup-shaped, pale yellowish-green to brown, and appear in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Grow the plant in well-drained soil in part to the full coastal sun to light shade or indoors. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window. Even on the coast, the best color is maintained with a little shade.
Watch Chain has typical watering needs for a succulent. It is best to use the "soak and dry" method and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Since the Watch Chain is not cold-hardy, it should be brought indoors when the temperature falls below 20 °F (-6.7 °C).
During the growing season, the plants should be fed a controlled-release fertilizer. They can also be fed weekly with a weak liquid solution.
In summer, it needs a lot more water, and it should not be exposed to full sun, as it values brightness but would suffer under excessive sunlight. When these conditions are not met, the plant begins to dry and stiffen, generally starting from the stem base up to the tips.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Watch Chain (Crassula muscosa).
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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