Scientific Name
Crassula muscosa L.
Common Name(s)
Watch Chain, Watch Chain Plant, Princess Pine, Lizard's Tail, Zipper Plant, Toy Cypress, Rattail Crassula, Clubmoss Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula lycopodioides
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "muscosa" (pronounced "muss-KOH-suh") means "full of moss, mossy" and refers to the moss-like appearance of this species.
Origin
Crassula muscosa is native to Namibia and South Africa (Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape).
Description
Crassula muscosa, also known as Crassula lycopodioides, is a bushy succulent with erect to decumbent, more or less branched stems and tiny leaves densely packed around the slender stems, forming a square mass. It is very variable in size and leaf shape and can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. The branches often curve towards the light and can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The main branches are woody, at least at the base. The leaves are light green or grey-green to brownish-green, and the old ones usually remain attached to branches.
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
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to light shade or indoors. If planting indoors, place in a room with a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window. The best color is maintained with slight shade, even on the coast.
Watch Chain needs typical watering for a succulent. It is best to use the "soak and dry" method and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Since Watch Chain is not a cold-hardy plant, 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 a weak liquid solution weekly.
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 from the stem's base to the tips.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Watch Chain (Crassula muscosa).
Forms and Cultivars
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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