Scientific Name
Crassula perfoliata L.
Synonym(s)
Crassula falax, Crassula pallida, Crassula perfoliata var. albiflora, Crassula perfoliata var. perfoliata, Larochea perfoliata, Larochea perfoliata var. alba, Rochea falcata var. acuminata, Rochea perfoliata, Rochea perfoliata var. alba
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
The native range of this species is from Willowmore and Uitenhage (officially renamed Kariega) to the Limpopo Province of South Africa and Swaziland. It grows on dry lower slopes.
Description
Crassula perfoliata is a sparingly branched succulent with erect, densely papillate branches with opposite green to gray-green leaves, sometimes with purple spots. It grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Branches are succulent, becoming woody in age. Leaves are lanceolate to triangular, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. The older leaves are persistent on the branches. Flowers are densely arranged in a rounded flat-topped thyrse with an up to 6 inches (15 cm) long peduncle. They are small, tubular, vary in color from white to pink and scarlet, and appear from spring to mid-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 cover 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.
Varieties and Forms
- Crassula perfoliata var. coccinea
- Crassula perfoliata var. minor
- Crassula perfoliata var. minor 'Variegata'
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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