Scientific Name
Crassula sarcocaulis subsp. rupicola Toelken
Common Name(s)
Bonsai Crassula, Bonsai Jade
Synonym(s)
Crassula sarcocaulis var. mlanjiana, Creusa sarcocaulis subsp. rupicola, Sedum caffrum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula sarcocaulis subsp. rupicola is a densely branched succulent shrublet with erect or spreading, rarely decumbent branches that bear fleshy, linear-lanceolate leaves. It is more branched than Crassula sarcocaulis subsp. sarcocaulis and can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. The branches are up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, with hair-like papillae on young ones and bark peeling on older ones. The leaves are usually cylindrical or slightly tapering, measuring up to 0.4 inches (2 cm) long and 0.06 inches (1.15 cm) wide.
The flowers are 5-merous, with white petals recurving at the apex and fading to cream-colored, brown anthers, and appear in dense thyrse with one to several dichasia in late summer and fall.
Origin
Crassula sarcocaulis subsp. rupicola is mainly found in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa (Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape) and Lesotho, as well as in Malawi. It grows in sheltered corners between boulders or wedged into rock crevices, often on the southeast-facing aspect of slopes.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, 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, ensure 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, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
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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