Crassula rupestris, a (mal)fragrant succulent
Crassula rupestris
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10a (-1.1°C ≤ T° < 1.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Genus
- Crassula
- Species
- Crassula rupestris
Other names:Crassula monticola, Purgosea rupestris
Like most Crassulaceae, Crassula rupestris is native to South Africa. It is cultivated for its dense, geometric foliage. Its flowering, however, is not particularly appreciated.
How to recognize Crassula rupestris?
Crassula rupestris can reach 50 centimetres in height. It is a succulent plant with a bushy habit and creeping stems.
The woody stems are completely hidden by the foliage. They break when handled carelessly.
The sessile leaves are joined and stacked along the stems. They come in all shades of green, from soft to olive to dark. Their margins turn red when exposed to sunlight. Although fleshy, the deltoid blades are thinner than those of crassula rupestris subsp. Marnieriana.
Crassula rupestris flowers almost all year round. The white, sometimes pink flowers bloom in cymes or corymbs at the ends of the stems. They are best appreciated with the eyes. Their strong, pungent smell is not to everyone's taste..
Crassula rupestris is toxic when ingested. If you add it to your collection, keep it out of reach of pets and young children.
Our care tips
Crassula rupestris 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 grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Crassula rupestris 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, 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 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 rupestris 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 greenRedPale greenGlaucous green
- Flower colors
- WhiteRedRose
Discover plants from the same family
Crassula marnieriana
Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana
Jade tree
Crassula ovata
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit'
Crassula ovata 'Minor
Crassula ovata 'Minor'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
