About

This compact form of Crassula ovata is a perennial succulent characterized by its upright growth habit and robust, branching stems. The plant features rounded, succulent green leaves, which may display a hint of red along their edges. In the autumn, it produces flat clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are pale pink in color.

About the genus

Crassula encompasses a variety of growth forms, including succulent annuals, perennials, and both evergreen shrubs and sub-shrubs. These plants feature thick, fleshy leaves and produce small flowers that are either star-shaped or funnel-shaped, arranged in terminal clusters.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Sub-tropical

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow under glass in a standard cactus potting mix, containers may be moved outdoors in summer (minimum temperatures 5-7ºC). Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in early spring at 15-18ºC, or by softwood or leaf cuttings in spring or summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and vine weevil
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free