Scientific Name
Crassula umbella Jacq.
Synonym(s)
Crassula flabellifolia, Crassula loriformis, Crassula weissii, Petrogeton umbella, Septas umbella
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "umbella" (pronounced "um-BEL-uh") means "sunshade, parasol, or umbrella" and refers to the leaves of this species, which are usually fused into a disc around the stem, resembling umbrellas.
Origin
Crassula umbella is native to South Africa. It occurs from Richtersveld and western Karoo through Little Karoo to Humansdorp. Usually, this species grows on south-facing aspects of sheltered gravelly slopes under shrubs, but more often under overhanging rocks.
Description
Crassula umbella is a small succulent with a spherical tuber and erect, unbranched stems with one or two pairs of opposite, yellowish-green leaves. It can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. The leaves are transversely depressed-obovate or more or less fused into a roundish umbrella-like structure around the stem. They are smooth, have entire to round-toothed margins, and can measure up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width..
The inflorescence is a terminal, elongate thyrse supported by a stalk that can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The flowers are star-shaped, cream to yellowish-green, rarely white, and can reach a diameter of 0.4 inches (1 cm). They appear from winter to spring.
Cultivars of Crassula umbella
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°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 plant 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.
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 cover 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.
Learn 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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