Scientific Name
Crassula subacaulis Schönland & Baker f.
Synonym(s)
Globulea erosula var. subacaulis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The generic name "Crassula" (pronounced "KRASS-oo-la") means "somewhat thick" and refers to the thick, fleshy, and succulent nature of the leaves and stems that are characteristic of nearly every species in this genus.
The specific epithet "subacaulis" (pronounced "sub-a-KAW-liss") means "somewhat stemless; almost stemless" and refers to the very short or reduced main stem of this species.
Origin of Crassula subacaulis
Crassula subacaulis is native to South Africa (Northern Cape and Western Cape).
Description of Crassula subacaulis
Crassula subacaulis is a succulent plant that forms dense, spreading clusters, usually much-branched from the base. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The leaves are green to reddish, glabrous or hairy, oblong-elliptic, spreading to ascending, measuring 6 inches (15 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.
The flowers are cream to yellowish and appear in elongated thyrses with several dichasia in spring. The flower stalk is shortly pubescent and can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long.
Subspecies of Crassula subacaulis
- Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula
- Crassula subacaulis subsp. subacaulis
How to Grow and Care for Crassula subacaulis
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. 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, 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 out 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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