Scientific Name
Crassula muscosa f. variegata
Accepted Scientific Name
Crassula muscosa L.
Common Name(s)
Clubmoss Crassula, Lizard's Tail, Princess Pine, Rattail Crassula, Toy Cypress, Watch Chain, Watch Chain Plant, Zipper Plant
Synonym(s)
Crassula muscosa var. variegata, Crassula muscosa 'Variegata', Crassula lycopodioides var. variegata, Combesia muscosa var. variegata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The formal epithet "variegata" (pronounced "var-ee-GAY-tuh") means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks" and refers to the variegated foliage of this form.
Origin
Crassula muscosa var. variegata is a variegated form of Crassula muscosa.
Description
Crassula muscosa f. variegata is a small succulent plant with tiny, variegated leaves densely packed around the slender stem, forming a square mass. It grows into an intricate bush, reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are light green and cream-colored.
The tiny flowers are cup-shaped, pale yellowish-green to brown, and appear in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula muscosa f. variegata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9a to 10b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
Plant in well-drained soil in part or full coastal sun to light shade or indoors. If planting indoors, place it in a room with plenty of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window. The best color is maintained with a bit of shade, even on the coast.
Watch Chain has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's 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).
The plants should be feed with a controlled-release fertilizer during the growing season. They can be feed weekly with a weak liquid solution.
In summer, it needs much more water, and it should not be exposed to full sun, as it values brightness but would suffer from excessive sunlight. When these conditions are not met, the plant begins to dry and stiffen, generally starting at the base of the stem and working up to the tips.
See 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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