Sinocrassula yunnanensis (Chinese Jade)

Scientific Name

Sinocrassula yunnanensis (Franch.) A. Berger

Common Names

Chinese Jade

Synonyms

Crassula yunnanensis (basionym), Rhodiola forrestii, Rhodiola papillocarpa, Rhodiola rotundifolia, Rhodiola sinica, Rhodiola yunnanensis, Sedum henryi, Sedum indicum var. yunnanense, Sedum indicum var. yunnanensis, Sedum mengtzeanum, Sedum pyramidatum, Sedum pyramidatum, Sedum sinicum, Sedum valerianoides, Sedum yunnanense

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Sinocrassula

Description

Sinocrassula yunnanensis is a small, perennial, rosette succulent, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, that can eventually develops into dense clumps. The leaves are half-round, flattened on the upper side, end in a sharp tip and have finely papillous hair. The rosettes are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. The plant is monocarpic, the individual rosette blooms only once, then dies, replaced by the close ones. At flowering time the rosette lengthen in a richly branched inflorescence up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The flowers are small and white.

Photo via cactofili.org

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassula are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs 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.

Crassula 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 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… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Crassula.