Scientific Name
Crassula 'Tom Thumb'
Common Name(s)
Tom Thumb
Synonym(s)
Crassula 'Klein Duimpje'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula 'Tom Thumb' is a chance hybrid found by W. J. Ruysch in the Netherlands. It results from a cross between Crassula rupestris subsp. rupestris and Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana.
Description
Crassula 'Tom Thumb', also known as Crassula 'Klein Duimpje', is a charming, small succulent with tiny, triangular leaves arranged in opposite pairs along erect, spreading, or decumbent stems. The stems can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, including inflorescences. The minty green leaves have colorful reddish edges when exposed to intense sunlight. They can measure up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) wide. There is also a variegated mutant called Crassula 'Pastel'.
The tiny white to pinkish flowers appear in dense terminal clusters in spring.
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 mealybugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is 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, 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 with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
