Scientific Name
Crassula perfoliata var. minor (Haw.) G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Airplane Plant, Propeller Plant, Red Crassula, Scarlet Paintbrush, Sickle-leaf Red Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula decussata, Crassula falcata, Crassula falx, Crassula perfoliata var. falcata, Crassula retroflexa, Crassula swellingrebliana, Larochea falcata, Larochea falcata var. minor, Rochea falcata, Rochea falcata var. minor
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula perfoliata var. minor, also known as Crassula falcata, is a succulent plant that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. It is an attractive and interesting plant when not blooming, but it is a show stopper when the bright red flowers emerge. Leaves are usually gray-green, sickle-shaped, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. They are arranged in overlapping pairs along a usually unbranched stem. Tiny scarlet red flowers are massed together in very showy, dense clusters that rise above the foliage in mid-summer. They open slowly and last for nearly a month when in full bloom.

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 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
This variety is native to South Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope where it grows on acidic sandstone.
Forms and Hybrids
- Crassula perfoliata var. minor f. variegata
- Crassula 'Bride's Bouquet'
- Crassula 'Buddha's Temple'
- Crassula 'Coralita'
- Crassula 'Garnet Lotus'
- Crassula 'Ivory Tower'
- Crassula 'Jade Necklace'
- Crassula 'Jade Tower'
- Crassula 'Justus Corderoy'
- Crassula 'Moonglow'
- Crassula 'Morgan's Beauty'
- Crassula 'Silver Springtime'
- Crassula 'Springtime'
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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