Crassula umbella

Scientific Name

Crassula umbella Jacq.

Synonyms

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 that grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Leaves are arranged in pairs, transversely depressed-obovate or more or less fused into a roundish umbrella-like structure around the stem. The margin is entire to crenate, surface glabrous, and usually yellowish-green. The inflorescence is a terminal elongate thyrse, rarely subumbellate, 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 they are 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 covering the dish until they sprout.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove 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.