Scientific Name
Crassula umbraticola N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Crassula crenatifolia, Septas umbraticola
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula umbraticola is a geophyte with several globose tubers and erect, usually unbranched stems with scarcely fleshy leaves in 3 to 4 pairs. The stems can grow up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) tall. The leaves are yellowish-green, obovate to elliptic with sharply toothed margins, and measure up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are star-shaped with five lance-shaped, white to cream-colored petals and appear in terminal lax thyrses from mid-summer to fall.
Origin
Crassula umbraticola is native to South Africa. It usually grows in moist places under rocks or in caves in Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Etymology
The specific epithet "umbraticola (awl-lur-RAY-see-uh)" means "one who is fond of the shade" and refers to the usual habitat of the species.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, 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 letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, ensure to 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 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.
See 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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