Scientific Name
Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis (Dryand.) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula lineolata, Crassula marginalis, Crassula profusa
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "marginalis" (pronounced "mar-gin-AH-lis") means "marginal" and refers to the horny margin without papillae of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis is native to South Africa. It occurs from near George to East London in the Western Cape province.
Description
Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis is a low-growing succulent with smooth, prostrate or scrambling branches and small, fleshy, green leaves with horny, epapillate margin. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The leaves are heart-shaped and more or less fused in pairs, forming a disc that can reach a diameter of 0.4 inches (1 cm).
The white or near-white flowers appear in late spring to early summer.
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 mealybugs 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 allowing the plant to 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. Place leaves into a potting mix for succulents and cover the pot 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.
Forms
- Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Rubra'
- Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Petite Bicolor'
- Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Variegata'
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.
