Scientific Name
Crassula volkensii Engl.
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The generic name "Crassula" (pronounced "KRASS-oo-la") means "somewhat thick" and refers to the thick, fleshy, and succulent nature of the leaves and stems that are characteristic of nearly every species in this genus.
The specific epithet "volkensii" (pronounced "vol-KEN-see-eye") honors Georg Ludwig August Volkens🡕 (1855–1917), a German botanist.
Subspecies of Crassula volkensii
- Crassula volkensii subsp. coleae
- Crassula volkensii subsp. volkensii
Cultivars of Crassula volkensii
Origin of Crassula volkensii
Crassula volkensii is native to Kenya and Tanzania. It grows on shady rocks at elevations of up to 9,840 feet (3,000 m).
Description of Crassula volkensii
Crassula volkensii is a succulent shrub with a more or less decumbent growth habit. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The small leaves are green, sometimes with scattered, dark dots on the undersides. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide.
The tiny, star-shaped flowers have white to pink petals and appear at the end of the branches in early spring.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula volkensii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 Crassula 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. 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, make sure the soil is dry, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove 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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