Scientific Name
Sinocrassula yunnanensis (Franch.) A. Berger
Common Name(s)
Chinese Jade
Synonym(s)
Crassula yunnanensis, Sedum indicum var. yunnanense, Sedum indicum var. yunnanensis, Sedum pyramidatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Sinocrassula
Origin
This species is native to southwestern China. It occurs in Yunnan province at elevations from 8,200 to 8,860 feet (2,500 to 2,700 m).
Description
Sinocrassula yunnanensis is a small succulent that forms dense rosettes of dark bluish-green leaves with purple mottling, turning black in full sun. The rosettes grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter, producing offsets to form a dense clump. Leaves are half-round with a convex lower surface and somewhat flat upper surface, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide, and end in a sharp point. They are densely covered with short soft hairs. In fall and early winter, the rosettes elongate in densely leafy, finely papillose flower stalks with dense flattish clusters of light yellowish to yellowish green flowers with an orange-red flush in full sun. The plant is monocarpic, which means each rosette blooms only once and then dies, replaced by the offsets.
This plant crests more often than other succulents, and besides rosettes, crested inflorescences are also not rare.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °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 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. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it 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.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Sinocrassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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