Crassula 'Pangolin'

Scientific Name

Crassula 'Pangolin'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Origin

Crassula 'Pangolin' is one of the newest hybrids from the United States by John Trager. It is a cross made within the Huntington International Succulent Introduction program between Crassula barklyi and Crassula perfoliata var. minor × Crassula tecta, quite a complex crossing, introduced under number ISI 2011-23.

Description

Crassula 'Pangolin' is an attractive, slow-growing succulent named after the pangolin, an animal ant and termite eater covered in tough overlapping scales. The branches are tightly packed, felted, silvery leaves resembling this weird-looking creature. They can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.

After several years, Crassula 'Pangolin' produces large spherical clusters of honey-scented creamy-white flowers at the end of the growing tip.

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 susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is 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, ensure 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 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.

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