Crassula subaphylla var. virgata can be distinguished from Crassula subaphylla var. subaphylla by its erect habit, smooth stems, and smooth and somewhat longer leaves curved upwards. On the other hand, Crassula subaphylla var. subaphylla has a decumbent or climbing habit, leaves that spread at about right angles to the branches, and its stems and leaves are typically covered with short, recurved, adpressed hairs.
Scientific Name
Crassula subaphylla var. virgata (Harv.) Toelken
Synonym(s)
Crassula virgata, Globulea subaphylla var. virgata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula subaphylla var. virgata is a succulent shrublet with wiry, upright, somewhat woody branches and fleshy leaves curved upward, more or less parallel with branches. It can reach up to 32 inches (80 cm) in height. The leaves are smooth and narrowly oblong, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
This plant produces small, flat-topped clusters of small, tubular, cream-colored flowers from spring to midsummer.
Origin
Crassula subaphylla var. virgata is native to South Africa. It grows on rocky or gravelly slopes in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces.
Etymology
The varietal epithet "virgata (vir-GA-tuh)" means "made of twigs" and refers to the slender branches.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula subaphylla var. virgata
Light: Crassula subaphylla var. virgata prefers full sun to partial shade. However, avoid intense afternoon sun during the hot summer days, as it can burn the leaves. If you are growing this plant Indoors, place it in a window with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: This plant is not particular about soil pH, but it does require soil that is very porous and has excellent drainage. You can use commercial soil mix for succulents or create your own.
Temperature: While this succulent can tolerate average summer temperatures and short-term freezing, extreme cold or heat can cause it to lose leaves and even die. Crassula subaphylla var. virgata grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: Avoid overwatering using the "soak and dry" method to keep the plant healthy. Water deeply and then let the soil completely dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. The potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: While Crassula subaphylla var. virgata does not require high levels of nutrients, it will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: Repot the plant as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Make sure the soil is dry before beginning to repot.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by leaves, stem cuttings, or seeds. The easiest method is using leaves, but stem cuttings will produce larger plants more quickly. These methods are most successful at the beginning of the growing season, while spring and summer are ideal for sowing seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula subaphylla var. virgata
Crassula subaphylla var. virgata is considered non-toxic and is safe for growing around children and pets.
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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