Scientific Name
Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata (Friedr.) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula commutata
Common Name(s)
Rosary Vine
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "commutata" (pronounced "kom-yoo-TAH-tuh") means "changed" or "modified" and likely refers to the similarity of this taxon (originally described as the species Crassula commutata) to Crassula brevifolia, with which it may easily be confused. However, it is distinguishable by its shorter, spreading leaves.
Origin
Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata is native to Namibia and South Africa.
Description
Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata is a small, highly branched succulent shrub with thin stems, fleshy near the growing tip, but rather woody lower down. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are grayish, hardly fused, measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) wide. The leaf margins turn a brilliant red or yellow during the summer months.
The flowers are white to pale pink, star-shaped, and appear grouped in clusters from spring to summer. They can reach a diameter of 0.25 inch (0.6 cm).
How to Grow and Care
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 Crassula 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.
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, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot.
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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