Crassula nemorosa

Scientific Name

Crassula nemorosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Endl.

Synonym(s)

Petrogeton nemorosum, Septas nemorosa

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula nemorosa is a geophyte with a small globose tuber, many erect, branched or unbranched stems, and interesting grey-green leaves, often with brown lines. The stems are upright or decumbent and grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Leaves are opposite, fleshy, flat, broadly ovate to orbicular on an up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long petiole. They are up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.

The flowers are nodding, star-shaped, shallowly cup-shaped, up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter, with grey-green sepals, yellowish-green petals, and yellow anthers. They usually appear in winter and spring.

Origin

Crassula nemorosa is native to South Africa. It grows in the shade of rocks in the mountains in Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, 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 with water, ensure 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, 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 begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.