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 mesembryanthemoides is a compact succulent shrub in the Crassulaceae family native to South Africa. It develops branching, initially upright and later spreading stems covered with narrow, fleshy green to gray-green leaves. Both the leaves and young stems are densely clothed with fine whitish hairs, giving the plant a soft, silvery appearance and distinguishing it from many other commonly cultivated Crassulas. Plants usually remain about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall and gradually form dense, rounded clumps.

Bright red to red-orange, tubular flowers are produced in dense clusters near the ends of the stems, standing out vividly against the pale, hairy foliage. Crassula mesembryanthemoides grows best in full sun to bright filtered light and sharply drained soil; stronger light generally encourages denser, more compact growth. It is drought tolerant once established and should be allowed to dry between waterings, especially during cool weather. Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, it requires protection from hard frost and prolonged winter wetness. Its softly textured foliage, colorful flowers, compact habit, and easy container culture make it particularly suitable for succulent collections, rock gardens, and mixed container plantings.

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 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.

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.

Crassula perfoliata var. falcata, commonly known as Propeller Plant or Airplane Plant, is a distinctive succulent in the Crassulaceae family native to South Africa. It forms upright to sprawling stems, typically 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, bearing thick, gray-green leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The flattened, slightly curved, sickle-shaped leaves resemble propeller blades and often develop reddish margins or a reddish flush in strong light. In summer, mature plants produce dense terminal clusters of numerous small, brilliant scarlet to orange-red flowers, creating a striking contrast with the muted foliage.

Crassula perfoliata var. falcata grows best in full sun to bright filtered light and sharply drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and should be allowed to dry between waterings, particularly during cooler weather. The plant performs well in containers, succulent gardens, and rock gardens and is easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, it should be protected from prolonged frost and excessive winter moisture. The variety was formerly widely treated as a separate species under the name Crassula falcata; this name remains extremely common in horticulture and is useful to retain as a synonym, although Crassula perfoliata var. falcata is now the accepted botanical name.