Scientific Name
Crassula nudicaulis var. platyphylla (Harv.) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula platyphylla, Globulea nudicaulis var. platyphylla
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "platyphylla" (pronounced "plat-TY-fil-uh") means "broad-leaved" and refers to the broader, flatter leaves compared with Crassula nudicaulis var. nudicaulis.
Origin
Crassula nudicaulis var. platyphylla is native to South Africa.
Description
Crassula nudicaulis var. platyphylla, also known as Crassula platyphylla, is a low-growing succulent with short, more or less branched, densely leafy stems. It varies in appearance and generally reaches about 5 inches (12.5 cm) in height. The stems are carnose to slightly woody, hairy or hairless, with old leaves remaining attached at the base. The bluish-grey leaves are flat, broadly oblong to orbicular, with marginal cilia. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The small greenish flowers appear in spring and sometimes again in late summer on stalks with a few minute leaf-scales. The flower stalks can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula nudicaulis var. platyphylla
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 allowing the plant to sit in a saucer, 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 cover 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 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.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
