Scientific Name
Crassula rubricaulis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Common Name(s)
Red-stem Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula rubricaulis var. muirii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula rubricaulis is a small much-branched succulent shrub with attractive green leaves, usually with red margins, becoming deep red when grown in full sun. It grows up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. Branches are reddish and root at the nodes where they touch the ground. The older branches become woody and grey-brown. Leaves are long, flattened, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide, and often crowded at the branch tips. Flowers are white, star-shaped, and appear in summer arranged in large rounded clusters on red-tinged flowering stems.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealybugs 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, make sure 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, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the germs 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Western and Eastern Cape).
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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