Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata - Rosary Vine

Scientific Name

Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata (Friedr.) Toelken

Common Names

Rosary Vine

Synonyms

Crassula commutata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata is a much-branched, succulent, perennial subshrub, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The stems are thin, fleshy near the growing tip, but rather woody lower down. The leaves are grayish in color (during the summer months the leaf margins turn a brilliant red or yellow), hardly fused and never broader than 0.16 inch (4 mm). It is easily confused with Crassula brevifolia, but can be distinguished by its spreading leaves not longer than 0.4 inch (1 cm). Flowers are grouped in clusters, white to pale pink, star-shaped and up to 0.25 inch (6 mm) across.

Photo via lapshin.org

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassula are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs 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.

Crassula 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.