Scientific Name
Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula (N.E.Br.) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula erosula, Globulea erosula
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula is a small succulent with several erect branches that bear oblong-elliptic, glabrous or hairy, green to reddish leaves. It is rarely almost rosulate. The branches are sparsely branched mainly from the base and can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall with internodes up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The flowers are cream to yellowish and appear in spring in elongated thyrses with several dichasia on shortly pubescent peduncles that reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) long.
Origin
The native range of Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula is in southwestern Namibia and South Africa (mainly along the coastal mountains from the Orange River to near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape province). It grows on gravelly slopes, usually in association with scrub vegetation.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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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