Crassula namaquensis (Namaqua Crassula)

Scientific Name

Crassula namaquensis Schönland & Baker f.

Common Names

Namaqua Crassula

Synonyms

Crassula namaquensis subsp. namaquensis

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula namaquensis is a small succulent shrub with a stout base and clusters of spirally arranged leaves. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Leaves are fuzzy pale blue to blue-green due to the peculiar hairs thickly distributed over the surface. They are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. Flowers are small, creamy white, and appear in spring.

Crassula namaquensis (Namaqua Crassula) — *Photo via fotki.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassulas are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.

These succulents are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Crassulas can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then covering the dish until they sprout.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.

Origin

This species is native to southern Namibia, southwards to the Namaqualand, as the name strongly suggests, but also in the Richtersveld in South Africa.