Crassula rupestris ssp. marnieriana, a succulent with surprising flowers
Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Genus
- Crassula
- Species
- Crassula rupestris
Other name:Crassula rupestris 'Hottentot'
On the other side of the world, in the Cape Province of South Africa, grows Crassula rupestris ssp. Marnieriana. This succulent from the Crassulaceae family also thrives in our latitudes as a houseplant. Sought after for its striking foliage, it surprises with its fragrant blooms.
How can you identify Crassula rupestris ssp. Marnieriana?
Crassula marnieriana is a succulent with a spreading, trailing habit. It grows up to 50 centimeters tall and 40 centimeters wide.
The foliage covers the internodes but leaves the supple, red or brown stems exposed.
The thick, fleshy leaves are fused in pairs. Oval in shape, they are flat on top and convex on the underside. Their color ranges from green to brown. The tips of the leaf blades are accented with a touch of red.
Crassula rupestris ssp. Marnieriana blooms after a few years. In the spring, it produces white, pink, or red flowers in a corymb. While their star-shaped form is pleasing to the eye, they are far less so to the nose. Their scent, similar to that of Crassula rupestris, is a reminder of mold rather than of roses or jasmine.
The smell of the flowers isn't the only drawback of this succulent plant. It is also toxic to animals and humans. If ingested, it causes a burning sensation in the mucous membranes and digestive problems.
Our care 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.
Misting
Crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
Every year in the 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.
Planting
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.
Taking cuttings
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
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrate
- Sandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorSucculentHanging plants
- Tags
- BeginnerToxic
- Origin
- South Africa
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenRedBrown
- Flower colors
- WhiteRedRose
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Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
