Care of the succulent plant Crassula picturata or Crassula exilis |
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The genus Crassula, family Crassulaceae, comprises more than 600 species of succulent plants native, mostly, from South Africa. Some species are: Crassula picturata, Crassula Coralita, Crassula radicans, Crassula arta, Crassula ovata, Crassula tetragona, Crassula perforata, Crassula muscosa, Crassula multicava, Crassula marnierana, Crassula falcata, Crassula capitella, Crassula Buddha's Temple (cultivar), Crassula arborescens, Crassula lactea, Crassula corymbulosa. This species is native to Eastern Cape, South Africa. They are small, highly branched succulents that form compact cushions up to 10 cm (3.93") tall when in flower. The fleshy leaves are grayish-green with reddish spots. The small white or pink flowers have a faint honey scent. They bloom from late summer to late fall. These easy-to-grow plants are used in rockeries, in wall crevices, and in pots for patios, windows, and balconies. They can be grown as indoor plants if they have good ventilation. Crassula picturata grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. The safety temperature is 5 ºC (41 ºF). They grow in any type of well-drained soil but prefer a mixture of equal parts coarse sand and leaf litter. Transplant every 4 years in early spring. Water once a week in spring and summer, once every 15 days in autumn and reduce watering in winter. They resist several days of drought. Fertilize every 30 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for catus and succulent plants at half the usual dose. Prune flower stems when flowering ends. They can be attacked by fungi if there is excess humidity and by mealybugs if ventilation is poor. They are propagated by stem or leaf cuttings (in any season) and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Crassula picturata or Crassula exilis |
 Crassula picturata  Crassula picturata  Crassula picturata  Crassula picturata |