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
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 stem, 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- 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 a bit of shade, even on the coast.
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 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 fed with a controlled-release fertilizer during the growing season. They can also 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 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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