Crassula Varieties and Easy Growing Tips

Succulents and Jade Plants

Crassula is a large and varied genus of over 200 succulent species, primarily from southern Africa, prized for their fleshy water-storing leaves and adaptability to dry conditions.

Leaves range from coin-shaped and silvery to thread-like or pebble-textured, with many developing red or purple hues in strong sun.

These tough plants fit rockeries, succulent borders, pots on sunny patios or balconies, and indoor shelves, appealing to gardeners seeking low-water features.

Popular Species & Cultivars

• C. ovata (Jade Plant) – Classic tree-like form with glossy green leaves; long-lived and easy.
• C. arborescens subsp. undulatifolia (Ripple Jade) – Wavy blue-grey foliage with red edges.
• C. ‘Moonglow’ – Upright hybrid with attractive tubular leaves.
• C. perforata (String of Buttons) – Stacked disc leaves on trailing stems.

Description & Uses

Crassula species feature opposite, succulent leaves often dusted with farina for sun protection, on stems from prostrate to shrubby (up to 2m). Tiny star flowers in whites, pinks or reds bloom winter-spring, drawing bees.
Ideal for xeriscaping, gravel gardens, mixed pots or as bonsai subjects; their sculptural shapes add year-round interest with minimal upkeep.

How to Grow Crassula.

In general the three main factors in caring for these amazing plants are soil , water and light. Actual requirements will differ between species and cultivars.

Replicate arid roots: sun, grit and restraint on water.

Sunlight requirements h3
Full sun for colour and compactness; light shade ok for alpines but avoid deep shade.

Soil

A free draining growing medium is essential, these are not a hungry plant so rich soils are not required.

Light

Crassula prefer full sun to part shade, and are generally regarded as drought tolerant. The warmer the climate the more afternoon shade is suited. Like many succulents, the foliage colour will change with more sun. In most cases the reds will be intensified, less water will also improve the red colors.The amount of sun for good growth is actually a fair bit. As a rule full sun. However in summer, in hot climates, some afternoon shade is recommended.

Watering

Deeply when fully dry, then wait—less in winter.

One of the main issues with all varieties is watering, these are a plant that are used to dry conditions and need the soil to dry out between waterings. It is very tempting to give plants growing in containers a little water every week, however in most condition these plants do not require it. Overwatering will cause root rot and the eventual death of the plant.

In many cases plants can be watered once every 3 – 4 weeks, given a good soaking and then left alone. These are a slow growing plant, so over fertilisation is another issue.

Fertiliser

Sparse low-N feed in spring only if growth is weak. A small application of fertiliser each spring as new growth commences is generally adequate

Pruning

Plants can be pruned back to keep in shape Tip prune for shape.

Propagation

Snip stems or leaves, callus dry, pot in perlite/sand. Roots in weeks; offsets divide easily.

Climate & Tolerance

Temperature h3
10–30°C sweet spot; woody types handle cooler temperatures.

Frosts

To -5°C for established plants; protect young ones.

Drought Tolerance

Superb—CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) pathway minimises water loss.

Climate Zones

Most of Australia (9–11); pots for wet/cold edges.

How to grow outside ideal climate zone.

Containers for moving indoors; raised beds with gravel.

Problems & Pests

Mealybug on tips (wipe off); rot from overwatering. Scale rare outdoors.

Related Species

• Aeonium – Rosette succulents, tree-like.
• Sedum – Groundcover stonecrops.
• Sempervivum – Hardy houseleeks.

Did you know

Jade plants (C. ovata) symbolise prosperity in Feng Shui and can live 70+ years. Some Crassula survive floods via buoyant stems, while others endure fire-prone fynbos.

• How you water will depend on the growth stage.
  As a guide always let soil dry between waterings. By the season follow these general rules.In winter once a month, depending on the climate. In very hot dry areas, if the plant is outside, more often.
  
  When in flower, water no more than twice a week, ensuring that the soil drys between waterings.
  For the rest of the year water once every 2 weeks. Again ensuring that the soil drys between waterings.

  The actual frequency will also depend on the growing medium. In a very free draining growing medium, Crassula can take more water. In heavier, moisture retentive growing mediums, they may only require water once a month.

How to Prune Crassula

Plants can be pruned back to keep in shape and new plants are easily propagated from cuttings and seeds.

Problems

• Leaf drop can occur if the plants are exposed to very high temperatures. In hot summers they can go into dormancy as a means of self preservation.
• In very cold areas they will not put on much growth at all.

What about cats and dogs, are Crassula plants poisonous?

Yes they are if the cat or dog eats them.

Crassula Varieties with growing Notes

It is the wide range of of species that makes generalisation a little difficult, some  species are tall and will reach over 2m in height, others such as C. multicava are tiny, ground hugging with some to 10cm and less.
In recent years cultivars such as ‘Morgan’s Beauty’ with wonderful pink flowers have become popular, as have the so called ‘Stacked Crassula’ which include emerald Pagoda and others.

Most species are well suited to growing in pots and containers, and a few trailing types make good hanging basket specimens

Other Species and cultivars include :

1. C. hirta is a low growing species, also known as C. nudicaulis. Long, fleshy leaves that are covered by fine white hairs.
2. C. muscosa is a small branching succulent sometimes called the ‘Watch Chain’.
3. C. ‘Baby Necklace’ and this is a hybrid between C. perforata and C. rupestris var marnieriana and here is Crassula perforate itself.
4. C. quadrangularis syn. Crassula pyramidalis is a very slow growing, species, its natural growth habit is to form a square column.
5. C. Morgan’s Beauty is compact growing and has large red to pink flowers, again this is hybrid, this time between C. falcata and C. mesembryanthemopsis.
6. C. perfoliata var minor of sometimes called the aeroplane plant and when you look at the growth habit, you can see why, previously know as C. falcata. And here we have it in its variegated form, an here is a dwarf or miniature variety.
7. C. rubicualis is a larger species, it has great colour at the moment, thats because it has had a bit more sum, and has been allowed to dry out a little, most crassula will put on more colour in sunny dry conditions.
8. C. exilis ssp. cooperi has brilliant patterned foliage.
9. C. hemisphaerica is a wonderful form, very rare in cultivation.
10. C. Ivory pagoda is a hybrid, slow growing and a C. flacata C. perfoliate cross.
11. C. deceptor is an attractive dwarf species with overlapping foliage.
12. C. Green pagoda will reach around 20 cm or 8 inches in height, and is one of a number of ‘stacked’ Crassula.

Where To Buy

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