Crassula Nudicaulis
Family
Crassulaceae
Origin
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Description
Crassula nudicaulis var. platyphylla is a low-growing, perennial succulent plant of variable appearance but generally only 5 inches tall. Leaves are bluish-grey, broadly oblong to orbicular with marginal cilia. Stem is short or none, more or less branched, carnose to slightly woody, hairy or hairless, with old leaves remaining attached at the base. Flowers are small and greenish in color. It flowers in spring and sometimes again in the latter part of summer.
Environment
Crassula are easy to grow. They require full sun to partial shade. Most needs some shade in the hottest part of summer, but require bright light to attain their most vibrant color.
As succulents, they don t need frequent watering, since they store it in their leaves. If they are left to sit in wet soil, their roots will rot. During cooler months, give them a good drenching and then allow the soil to dry out, before watering again. They go dormant when the temperature gets hot in summer and need even less water.
Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer in the beginning of the season or weekly with a weak liquid solution. Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at 1/4 strength on mature plants, and a fertilizer with less nitrogen on young plants.
Landscape Use
A wonderful mini tree in a fairy garden or miniature garden. Can be used as a hedging plant as well as a shrub in the garden. Makes a great potted plant.
