Crassula is a genus of about 200 accepted species of succulent plants in the family Crassulaceae. They are native to many different parts of the world. However, the species grown by succulent lovers, more than 150, are coming almost exclusively from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Crassula ovata, commonly known as Jade Plant, is the most well-known species and probably one of the most popular succulents. In addition to the species, there are numerous attractive cultivars and hybrids.
Crassula was first formally described by the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as a genus with ten species.
The generic name "Crassula" derives from the Latin "crassus," meaning "thick," and refers to the fleshy plump leaves.
The genus members are annuals or perennials, herbaceous or woody, and some have underground tubers. They vary in size and growth habits. These succulents range from groundcovers to shrubs or small trees. Some of them are trailing plants, some have rosettes with symmetrical leaves, and some of the annuals are aquatic plants. They have fleshy leaves with interesting shapes and coloring and usually lovely, star-shaped flowers. Crassulas are generally polycarpic plants. Some species are monocarpic and die after they flower.
Growing Conditions for Crassula
Crassulas are among the most popular succulents to grow indoors and outdoors in gardens or containers.
Light
Crassula plants prefer full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest summer can burn the leaves of the plants. A place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Many Crassulas will stress beautifully to shades of red, purple, pink, orange, or yellow in response to more sunlight. In low light, even the reddest plants will revert to green.
Most Crassulas can be grown indoors if given enough light. Place your plants in a window with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil
Crassulas are not particular about soil pH but require very porous soil with excellent drainage. Most of them will do well in sandy or even rocky soil. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for use with succulents, or mix your own. In their habitat, Crassula plants usually grow in rocky quartz fields.
Temperature
These succulents prefer average summer temperatures between 65 and 70 ºF (18 and 21 ºC); in winter, cold to 50 ºF (10 ºC). Most Crassulas will tolerate some short-term freezing, but cold or heat extremes will cause them to lose leaves and die. The biggest challenge with outdoor plants in winter is protecting them from temperatures below 32 ºF (0 ºC). Most species are grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b, 20 to 40 °F (-6.7 to 4.4 °C). However, elsewhere, you could bring your potted plants indoors for the winter.
General Care for Crassula
Crassulas are easy to care for as houseplants or in the garden. They are perfect plants for beginners.
Watering
These plants have typical watering needs for succulents. Avoid overwatering using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained, and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter, as your Crassulas can lose their roots if the soil stays cold and wet for extended periods. Too little water may cause the lower leaves to fall off. In habitat, the leaves shrivel as plants draw on stored moisture, then plump when rains return.
Potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing
Crassulas are slow-growing succulents and do not need much feeding. They will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when they start actively growing.
Repotting
Many Crassulas do well in the same container and soil for many years—repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the active growth period. Ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots and place the plant in a new or the same pot with a fresh potting soil mix. Leave your Crassula dry for a week or so, then water lightly to prevent root rot in your plant.
Pruning
Crassulas can benefit from occasional pruning to keep them healthy and compact. When plants start to get straggly or leggy, do not be afraid to cut them back. The pruning is best done in spring or after the blooming.
Crassula ovata and Crassula arborescens, including their cultivars, are popular for bonsai lovers. Many who learn bonsai begin with Crassula ovata.
How to Propagate Crassula
Crassulas are generally started by leaves or stem cuttings. They can also be grown from seeds and offsets.
Leaves
The easiest way is to propagate Crassulas from a single leaf. Always take at least two leaves because not every leaf you try to propagate will grow a new plant. Choose a healthy leaf and gently remove it from the plant by twisting it from the stem. Allow the leaves to callous for several days up to a week. Remove any leaf that starts to wither and die. Place them on a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil slightly moist.
Stem Cuttings
The fastest way to get decent-sized Crassulas is to grow them from stem cuttings. This propagation method works best with plants that have branches. This process is most successful if done at the beginning of its active growth period. Select a healthy stem and remove it from the main plant. Allow the cutting to callus for several days before placing it in a well-draining soil mix. Water sparingly so the soil is only damp until the cutting takes root. After it has been rooted, you can treat it like a mature plant.
Offsets
Propagating Crassulas with offsets is easy because the parent plant has already done most of the work for you. To divide the offsets, brush away the topsoil until the roots are visible and gently pull them apart. Let the offsets dry out for several days and place them in a well-draining soil mix.
Seeds
Propagating Crassulas from seeds is the slowest way to grow new plants. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer. They germinate best at temperatures below 70° (21 °C). Do not cover these seeds and other tiny seeds with a top layer. Avoid direct sunlight exposure. The seeds usually start to germinate after 1 to 3 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they have at least three leaves.
Pests and Diseases of Crassula
Pests
The main pests that attack Crassulas are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to control and prevent.
Diseases
Crassulas are also susceptible to bacterial soft rot, powdery mildew, and black ring disease. These diseases are easy to identify and can be treated or dealt with when discovered.
Toxicity of Crassula
Crassula plants are generally nontoxic to people and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus