Crassula muscosa f. variegata (Watch Chain)

Scientific Name

Crassula muscosa f. variegata

Accepted Scientific Name

Common Names

Watch Chain, Watch Chain Plant, Princess Pine, Lizard's Tail, Zipper Plant, Toy Cypress, Rattail Crassula, Clubmoss Crassula

Synonyms

Crassula muscosa var. variegata, Crassula muscosa 'Variegata', Crassula lycopodioides var. variegata, Combesia muscosa var. variegata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula muscosa f. variegata is a small succulent plant with tiny light green and cream-colored leaves densely packed around the thin stem, forming a square mass. It grows as an intricate, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall bush. Flowers are small and yellow-green.

Crassula muscosa f. variegata (Watch Chain) — *Photo via flowersweb.info*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9a to 10b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Plant in well-drained soil in part or 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. Best color 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 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 with a controlled-release fertilizer. They can be feed weekly with a weak liquid solution.

While in summer it needs a lot more water and it should not be exposed to full sun, as it only 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 base of the stem up to the tips.

See more at How to Grow and Care for a Watch Chain (Crassula muscosa).