Scientific Name
Crassula perforata 'Giant Form'
Accepted Scientific Name
Crassula perforata Thunb.
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
This succulent is native to South Africa. It is a form of Crassula perforata with larger and thicker leaves.
Description
Crassula perforata 'Giant Form' is a much-branched succulent shrub with slender stems and grey-green leaves with reddish margins. The stems grow up to 3.3 (1 m) long. Leaves are thick, fleshy, ovate, up to 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) long, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and fused at the base with the opposite leaf of the pair. They are much larger and thicker than the leaves of the normal form. This form is similar to Crassula rupestris but has the inflorescence of Crassula perforata.
Flowers are tubular, 5-merous, with white to yellowish petals and brown anthers, and appear in elongated thyrses in spring.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula perforata 'Giant Form'
Light: C. perforata 'Giant Form' 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. C. perforata 'Giant Form' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 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: C. perforata 'Giant Form' 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 C. perforata 'Giant Form' 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 perforata 'Giant Form'
C. perforata 'Giant Form' is nontoxic to people and pets.
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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