Scientific Name
Crassula nemorosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Endl.
Synonym(s)
Petrogeton nemorosum, Septas nemorosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "nemorosa" (pronounced "nem-or-OH-suh") means "wooded, shady" and refers to the sheltered, shaded habitats of this species, such as protected rocky slopes and crevices.
Origin
Crassula nemorosa is native to South Africa. It occurs in the mountains in the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape provinces.
Description
Crassula nemorosa is a geophyte with a small, spherical tuber, many erect, branched or unbranched stems, and interesting grey-green leaves, often with brown lines. The stems are upright or decumbent and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The leaves are opposite, fleshy, flat, broadly ovate to orbicular, measuring up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. They are attached to the stem by a petiole up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long.
The flowers are nodding, shallowly cup-shaped, with grey-green sepals, yellowish-green petals, and yellow anthers. They usually appear in winter and spring, and can reach a diameter of 0.3 inches (0.8 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Crassula nemorosa
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs 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 allowing the plant sit in a saucer with water, ensure that you 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, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
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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