Crassula perfoliata

Scientific Name

Crassula perfoliata L.

Synonym(s)

Crassula perfoliata var. perfoliata, Larochea perfoliata, Rochea perfoliata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula perfoliata is a sparingly branched succulent shrub with erect branches bearing opposite, lance-shaped to triangular, green to gray leaves, sometimes with purple spots. It grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The branches are green, succulent, and become woody in age. The fleshy leaves are up to 3.8 inches (9.5 cm) long and 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) wide. The old leaves are persistent on the branches.

The fragrant, white flowers appear in dense, rounded clusters on erect, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long stalks from spring to mid-summer. They are small, tubular below, and star-shaped above.

Origin

Crassula perfoliata is native to South Africa. It grows on dry lower slopes from Groot Winterhoek Mountains and Port Elizabeth to Umtata in the Eastern Cape province.

Etymology

The specific epithet "perfoliata (per-foh-lee-AY-tuh)" means "appearing to have the stem passing through the leaves; having the leaf around the stem at the base."

How to Grow and Care for Crassula perfoliata

Light: Crassula perfoliata prefers full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun on the hottest summer days can burn the leaves of the plant. Therefore, a place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Indoors, place your plant in a window that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Soil: This plant is not particular about soil pH but requires very porous soil with excellent drainage. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for succulents, or mix your own.

Temperature: Like most Crassulas, this succulent will tolerate short-term freezing, but extremes of cold or heat will cause it to lose leaves and die. Crassula perfoliata grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).

Watering: Avoid overwatering using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained, and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Fertilizing: Crassula perfoliata does not need much feeding but will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.

Repotting: Repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the period of active growth of the plant. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.

Propagation: This succulent is generally started by leaves or stem cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds. The easiest way is to propagate Crassula perfoliata from a single leaf, while using stem cuttings is the fastest way to get a decent-sized plant. These processes are most successful at the beginning of the growing season. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.

Toxicity of Crassula perfoliata

Crassula perfoliata is nontoxic to people and pets.

Varieties and Forms of Crassula perfoliata

Photo Gallery

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