Scientific Name
Crassula rubricaulis 'Candy Cane'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' is a patented introduction (PP28111) by Altman Plants. It is a naturally occurring branch mutation of Crassula rubricaulis discovered by Renee O'Connell in December 2012.
Description
Crassula rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' is a much-branched succulent shrublet with leaves that display unusual tricolor variegation. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 24 inches (60 cm) wide. The leaves are white with areas of mint green, and they blush rose in full sun.
The white, star-shaped flowers appear in clusters from spring to summer.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula rubricaulis 'Candy Cane'
Light: C. rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' prefers full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer 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. rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' can withstand temperatures as low as 25 °F (-3.9 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, 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: C. rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' 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 active growth period. 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 and offsets. The easiest way is to propagate C. rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' 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 plant's active growth period. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer. Propagating by dividing offsets is easy because the parent plant has already done most of the work for you.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula rubricaulis 'Candy Cane'
C. rubricaulis 'Candy Cane' 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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