Scientific Name
Crassula setulosa Harv.
Common Name(s)
Hairy Cushion Crassula
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "setulosa" (pronounced "set-yoo-LO-sa") means "having coarse hair or bristles; setulose" and refers to the usually hairy leaves of this species.
Origin
Native to Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
Description
Crassula setulosa is an attractive small succulent that grows naturally as a dense mat. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, sometimes forming a cushion up to 16 inches (40 cm) wide. This species is highly variable in appearance across its distribution, especially in its leaves, which vary in size, shape, and hairiness. The leaves typically measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide, and more often than not have a convex upper leaf surface that tapers to a point. Fine hairs are usually present on the upper surface of the leaves, but hairless forms also occur. The leaves vary in color from bright green to grey-green in very hairy forms.
Depending on the form, flowers appear in midsummer through to fall. They are small, cup-shaped, white, often tinged red, and cluster to form a dense inflorescence up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The flowers develop into small capsules that release fine, dust-like seeds.
Varieties and Forms of Crassula setulosa
- Crassula setulosa var. curta
- Crassula setulosa var. deminuta
- Crassula setulosa var. jenkensii
- Crassula setulosa f. latipetala
- Crassula setulosa var. longiciliata
- Crassula setulosa nothovar. schlechteri
- Crassula setulosa var. setulosa
How to Grow and Care for Crassula setulosa
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°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 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, 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 covering the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, 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.
Learn 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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