Scientific Name
Crassula perfoliata var. minor 'Variegata'
Accepted Scientific Name
Crassula perfoliata var. minor (Haw.) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Airplane Plant, Propeller Plant
Synonym(s)
Crassula falcata f. variegata, Crassula falcata 'Variegata', Crassula perfoliata var. falcata f. variegata, Crassula perfoliata var. falcata 'Variegata', Crassula perfoliata var. minor f. variegata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula perfoliata var. minor 'Variegata' is a form of Crassula perfoliata var. minor selected for its variegated foliage.
Description
Crassula perfoliata var. minor 'Variegata', also known as Crassula falcata 'Variegata' or Crassula perfoliata var. falcata 'Variegata', is an attractive succulent with variegated leaves arranged in overlapping pairs along a usually unbranched stem. The leaves are gray-green with irregular creamy-yellow markings. They are sickle-shaped and can reach 4 inches (10 cm) in length and (2.5 cm) in width.
The flowers are tiny and scarlet red, and they are massed together in very showy, dense clusters that rise above the foliage in 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 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, 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 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.