Scientific Name
Crassula socialis Schönland
Common Name(s)
Ivory Towers, Kommadagga Crassula, Ring Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula socialis is known only from a few localities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa near King William's Town and Kommadagga. It grows in rock crevices on cliffs that are usually south- or southeast-facing.
Description
Crassula socialis is a small succulent plant that forms dense clusters of numerous rosettes with 4-ranked green leaves often tinged red towards the margins. It can grow to a height of 1.6 inches (4 cm), excluding inflorescences. The rosettes can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The leaves are flat, ovate or elliptic, tapering to a point, and can grow up to 0.45 inches (1.4 cm) and 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide. They are glabrous but with a dense row of marginal cilia.
The slender inflorescences are terminal, more or less rounded thyrses with 1 to 3 dichasia and a distinct peduncle measuring up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. The flowers are tubular with white, basally fused petals and yellow anthers and appear in late winter and spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but 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 allowing the plant to sit in a saucer of water, ensure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
Division, offsets, or leaf cuttings generally start crassulas. 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.
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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