Crassula marnieriana in pot

Credit: Hugo Riquelme Ortega

Crassula marnieriana in the ground

Credit: Daderot

Leaves and flowers of Crassula marnieriana

Credit: Sasson D.

Crassula marnieriana red leaves

Credit: Krzysztof Golik

Crassula rupestris ssp. marnieriana, a succulent with surprising flowers

On the other side of the world, in the Cape Province of South Africa, grows Crassula rupestris ssp. Marnieriana. This succulent member of the Crassulaceae family also thrives as a houseplant in our latitudes. Sought-after for its graphic foliage, it surprises with its fragrant blooms.

How to recognize Crassula rupestris ssp. Marnieriana?

Crassula marnieriana is a succulent with a spreading, drooping habit. It grows up to 50 cm high and 40 cm wide.

Foliage covers the internodes, but exposes the supple, red or brown stems.

The thick, fleshy leaves are fused in pairs. Oval, they are flat on top and convex on the reverse. Their color varies from green to brown. The tips of the leaf blades are highlighted with a touch of red.

Crassula rupestris ssp. Marnieriana flowers after a few years. In spring, it is adorned with white, pink or red thyrse flowers. While their star shape makes them pleasing to the eye, they are much less so to the nose. Their scent, similar to that of crassula rupestris, is more reminiscent of mold than rose or jasmine.

The smell of the flowers isn't the only fault with this greasy plant. It is also toxic to animals and humans. When ingested, it causes burning of the mucous membranes and digestive disorders.

Our maintenance tips

Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana are very slow-growing. So you won't have to take them home very often. But you will have to be patient to see new leaves appear!

Watering

Succulents store water in their leaves and roots. They don't need to be watered frequently. On the contrary, too much water or poorly draining soil can rot the roots.

To avoid killing your plant, water it only when the substrate is two or three centimetres dry in summer and completely dry during the cold seasons. Preferably use rainwater or non-calcareous water at room temperature.

Finally, make sure there's nostanding water in the dish.

Spray

Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana to give it more space.

Choose a pierced terracotta or plastic pot. The latter has the advantage of retaining moisture longer. Place a layer of clay balls at the bottom (about a quarter of the way up). Top up with special potting soil for cacti or fat plants. You can also mix ordinary substrate with sand or perlite.

Plant your succulent and tamp down to eliminate air pockets. Then water for the first time.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Apply fertilizer for succulents to accelerate growth.

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana love light, but dread direct sunlight, especially in the hottest hours. To ensure that your plant gets plenty of light without damaging its foliage, choose a location with half-shade or bright indirect light.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Plant your Crassula marnieriana and backfill.

Water withoutsoaking the soil to encourage rooting.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Using a clean, sharp tool, remove a stem about ten centimetres long.

Obtain a pierced terracotta pot. This material promotes uniform drying of the substrate and reduces the risk of root rot. Pour a bed of clay balls or gravel in the bottom. If the hole is too large and the marbles escape, fill it with a pebble.

For the substrate, prepare a mixture of one-third soil, one-third potting compost and one-third sand. Line the pot with it. Plant your cutting in the center and press down.

Place your succulent in a room where the temperature doesn't fall below 18 degrees. Find a bright spot away from direct sunlight, behind a curtain for example.

Disease / Threat

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Crassulaceae - Crassulaceae
Type	Crassula - Crassula
Species	Crassula rupestris - Crassula rupestris
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrat	Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Succulent Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Toxic
Origin	South Africa
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower colors