Scientific Name
Crassula pubescens subsp. radicans (Haw.) Toelken
Common Name(s)
Red Carpet, Red Carpet Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula radicans, Globulea pubescens var. radicans, Globulea radicans
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula pubescens subsp. radicans, also known as Crassula radicans, is a shrubby or mat-forming succulent with more or less erect stems but with decumbent lateral branches congested with small, fleshy leaves. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The branches root at the nodes when they touch the ground. Leaves are smooth or finely hairy, green but flush bright red when exposed to full sun. They are oblanceolate, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are small, white and appear in dense, rounded to flat-topped clusters on stalks a few inches above the foliage in late winter and spring.
Origin
Crassula pubescens subsp. radicans is native to South Africa. It grows in sheltered valleys in the Eastern Cape, mainly between Port Elizabeth and King William's Town.
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "radicans (RAD-ee-kans)" means "rooting or taking root" and refers to the stems that root along their length.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 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. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your Crassula 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.
Crassulas are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf: sprout leaves by placing them into a succulent or cacti mix, then covering the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, 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 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.
See 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
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