Scientific Name
Crassula umbella Jacq.
Synonym(s)
Crassula flabellifolia, Crassula loriformis, Crassula weissii, Septas umbella, Petrogeton umbella
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula umbella is a succulent plant with erect, unbranched stems and leaves arranged in pairs, transversely depressed-obovate or more or less fused into a roundish umbrella-like structure around the stem. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Leaves are glabrous, usually yellowish-green, and with entire to create margin. The inflorescence is a terminal elongate thyrse, rarely subumbellate, and supported by up to 4 inches (10 cm) long peduncle. Flowers are yellowish-green, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, and appear from winter to spring.
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 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 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 in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape).
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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