Crassula susannae

Scientific Name

Crassula susannae Rauh & Friedrick

Synonym(s)

Crassula suzannae

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Origin

This species is native to South Africa. It is known from one location, west of Soebatsfontein in the Northern Cape province, growing on slopes among quartzite gravel.

Description

Crassula susannae is a dwarf, usually much-branched succulent that forms rosettes of smooth, more or less 4-ranked leaves with the upper exposed surface covered with small papillae. It slowly grows, and it takes years before the plant has filled up a small pot. Leaves are green to grey-green to brownish. They are flat, oblong with truncated tips, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide. In habitat, the leaves are usually only with their upper margin appearing above soil level. The white flowers are tubular and appear in clusters on pubescent, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) tall peduncles in mid-fall.

This species was used decades ago to develop interesting hybrids, like Crassula 'Celia' and Crassula 'Dorothy'.

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. 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 plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to 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.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.

Hybrids

Photo Gallery

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