Crassula - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Crassula erosula 'Campfire' (Campfire Crassula) is a small plant reaching 2-5 ft tall and wide, forming an upright vase-like shape. In full sun, the leaves will turn a vibrant red, but under shade or partial shade, they will remain light green.

Campfire Crassula is a drought-tolerant plant, requiring only moderate water and good drainage. They will thrive when watered well during their growing season in the spring and summer but should not be over-watered. The white or off-white flowers appear in late spring to mid-summer and last for several weeks. Its ornamental foliage is attractive throughout the year and it is perfect for hot climates and a great choice for patio containers, rock gardens or native gardens.

In colder regions, Campfire Crassula can easily be grown indoors or in a pot in a sunny location and brought indoors during the winter months. Root rot should be avoided by keeping the soil dry, especially during the winter and should not be allowed to freeze. To provide the plant with the best environment for growing, the potting soil should be well-draining and light, such as a combination of sand, perlite, and regular potting soil. During the growing period, the soil should be watered lightly, until the surface of the soil becomes slightly moist. The frequency of watering depends on the season, the environment, and the type of soil used. In winter, the plant needs less water and should be watered only when the soil is dry.

Campfire Crassula is warm-weather loving plant that is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. Although growth may slow during cold winters, it is still important to protect it from frost and freezing temperatures. If you grow this plant indoors or in a pot, be sure to provide good ventilation, as this can help protect it from the common succulent diseases, such as root rot and fungal infections.

Crassula muscosa has very small, light green leaves that are densely packed around a thin stem, and the arrangement of the leaves around the stems gives them a square shape. The specific epithet 'muscosa' is Latin for "mossy", in reference to this plants moss-like looks.

The succulents in this group vary greatly in shape and size. Crassulas can be grown outdoors in regions where the temperature doesn't drop below 41F to 50F, depending upon the variety; some varieties can be grown in the greenhouse or home. Water is given freely to well-rooted plants in the summer but in the winter, just enough water should be given to prevent the shoots from shriveling. These plants will benefit from some pruning to maintain neat shapes, can be grown in sun or light shade.

This forest jewel with deep green and red leaves grows in the deep shade of the coastal forest growing the sandstone cliffs. The broadly elliptic succulent leaves are dark glossy green on the top, while the under surface is maroon to carmine giving it a striking appearance. Some forms have attractive white spots along the veins on the upper surface of the leaf.

A very similar plant is C. multicava, a popular garden plant much used as a ground cover.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is a highly distinctive succulent cultivar admired for its perfectly stacked, square column form that resembles a miniature architectural tower. The tightly packed, opposite leaves are thick, smooth, and gray green, arranged in precise tiers that create a rigid, almost sculptural appearance. Growth is slow and upright, with mature plants forming short, solid columns that make this cultivar especially striking as a solitary specimen in small pots or minimalist succulent displays.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is a cultivated hybrid, believed to originate from a cross between Crassula pyramidalis and Crassula perfoliata var. falcata. This hybrid origin explains its compact, geometric structure combined with thicker, more robust leaves than either parent typically shows on its own. The plant prefers bright light with some direct sun to maintain tight stacking, along with a very well drained soil mix and careful watering, allowing the substrate to dry fully between waterings. Small, pale pink to whitish flowers may appear on mature plants, but flowering is secondary to its dramatic form. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b-11, with minimum temperatures around 30F; light frost may be tolerated if kept dry, but protection from prolonged cold is essential.

Crassula arborescens is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in drought tolerant and succulent gardens, and in container gardens. It is also suitable for growing indoors as a houseplant.

The wonderful Crassula falcata truly thrives in well-drained, sunny sites.

The Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant) is a unique species of succulent often used for ornamental decoration. This South African native is a small shrub that grows to about 2-5 ft in height, and has waxy leaves shaped like an aircraft propeller. The oval-shaped leaves are a pale green color when grown in full sun, and pinkish when grown in cooler temperatures. Its flowers, which appear during winter, vary from crimson to vinous red.

A major benefit of Crassula falcata is its low maintenance requirements, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. It requires moderate water, with the soil kept relatively damp in summer and almost dry in winter. Furthermore, this attractive succulent enjoys full sun exposure and quickly fills to form attractive and elegant shapes.

Crassula falcata is frost and drought tolerant, as well as fairly tolerant to salinity. In USDA Zone 9-11, it can be planted directly into the ground, while in cooler climates, it can be planted in containers, or grown indoors. For those growing Crassula falcata in the pot in colder areas, it's recommended to keep the succulent on the dry side during the winter, and maintain it in an area with ample light. To protect the succulent from extreme temperatures, a deep layer of soil featuring peat moss, pine bark, and other organic matters is recommended for optimal protection.

Crassula marnieriana is a distinctive succulent species native to South Africa, instantly recognizable by its tightly stacked, triangular leaves that form dense chains along trailing or ascending stems. The thick, gray green to blue green leaves overlap like pagoda tiles or a necklace, often developing red margins when exposed to bright light or mild stress. Plants branch freely with age and create sculptural cascades, making them especially attractive in hanging containers or shallow bowls where the patterned stems can spill over the edges.

Crassula marnieriana grows best in bright light with some direct sun, which keeps the internodes short and enhances leaf color. It requires a very well drained soil mix and careful watering, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings to prevent stem rot. Small, star shaped flowers in pale white to pink may appear in winter or early spring on mature plants, though flowering is secondary to its architectural foliage. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11, with minimum temperatures around 25 30F; light frost may be tolerated if kept dry, but prolonged cold requires protection or container cultivation.

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is a small plant native to South Africa's Cape Province. This small succulent ranges in size from 2 to 5 feet, with an ornamental foliage of rounded green leaves and clusters of off-white to white flowers. Although generally an easy and productive plant to grow, its needs must be understood and met in order to have success. The ideal light conditions for a Jade plant are full sun, semi-shade, or shade, with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 55F at night to 75-80F during the day. During the active growing cycle of spring and summer, the soil should be kept slightly moist, and should be watered liberally once per week, allowing for slight drying between waterings. A well-drained commercial potting soil should be used. Keep plant dry during the winter months. A mature Jade Plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to the 30s F for a short time, making this a great choice for those in colder climates. This plant is also an ideal choice for those living near the sea, as it is salt tolerant. In Southeast Asia, the Jade Plant is commonly known as the Money Plant, and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. With proper care, this ornamental plant can provide its owner with a lifetime of joy and beauty.