Crassula monticola

Scientific Name

Crassula monticola N.E.Br.

Accepted Scientific Name

Crassula rupestris subsp. rupestris

Synonym(s)

Crassula rupestris var. monticola, Crassula rupestris 'Monticola'

Common Name(s)

Rosary Vine, Kebab Bush, Concertina Bush, Bead Vine

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Etymology

The specific epithet "monticola" (pronounced "mon-TEE-ko-luh") is a Latin noun meaning "a mountain dweller" and refers to the natural habitat of this plant.

Origin

Crassula monticola is native to South Africa. It is not recognized as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Crassula rupestris subsp. rupestris.

Description

Crassula monticola, also known as Crassula rupestris var. monticola, is a beautiful succulent similar to Crassula rupestris subsp. rupestris but has thicker, slightly smaller, and rounded leaves.

The flowers are star-shaped, range from deep pink to pale pink, and appear grouped in clusters. They can reach a diameter of 0.25 inches (0.6 cm).

Crassula monticola aka Crassula rupestris var. monticola — *Photo by Mountain Crest Gardens*

How to Grow and Care for Crassula monticola

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

Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is fatal, so err on the side of being too dry rather than too wet. Never let your Crassula sit in water. If you water from beneath by allowing the plant to sit in a saucer of water, pour off any excess 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.