Crassula 'Pangolin'

Scientific Name

Crassula 'Pangolin'

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula 'Pangolin' is an attractive, slow-growing, and very rare succulent named after the pangolin, animal ant and termite eater covered in tough, overlapping scales. The leaves of this plant and their position look similar to this weird looking creature. The shoots can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide. After several years they flower with a large, globular inflorescence full 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).

Crassula 'Pangolin' — *Photo via huntington.org*

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.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.

Origin

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