Crassula 'Petite Bicolor' Care Guide
Growing Season:
Winter
Dormant Season:
Summer
- Hardy to USDA Zone: 8a
- Size: Less than 3" tall, but spreads low across the ground
- Foliage: Green/Yellow
- Flower: Pink
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Light: Dappled sun, bright shade
- Water: Drench & Dry
- Soil: Gritty, mostly inorganic, quickly draining
- Origin: South Africa
About Crassula 'Petite Bicolor'
Crassula ‘Petite Bicolor’ is the correct name for what many people call Sedum ‘Little Missy’. It is the dwarf, variegated form of Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis.
Crassula ‘Petite Bicolor’ is an excellent filler in container gardens and spreads across the ground like wildfire. Since it is so tender, I like to place mine underneath taller succulents that provide shade. It is the perfect fairy garden succulent with its heart-shaped leaves.
Propagating Crassula ‘Petite Bicolor’ is as easy as picking off pieces by hand and sticking them on the dirt. The cuttings will root really easily! In the summer months, expect the cutest little pink blooms.
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General Guide to Crassula Care
Most of the 200 or so succulent species in the genus Crassula make nice low succulent shrubs in your garden, do well as container plants, and do ok as houseplants. Many are widely grown and not very hard to cultivate. Crassula species thrive in bright light and good ventilation.
Crassula plants originate all over the world, but most of the varieties in cultivation almost always come from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Their natural habitat is in semi-arid deserts in rocky or gravelly soil.
Crassula Succulents: The Ultimate Guide
Succulents are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening, due to their minimal care requirements and unique appearance. One of the most diverse and popular types of succulents is the crassula.
Crassula, also known as Jade Plants, are a type of succulent that is native to South Africa. They have been formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 with 10 species. The name crassula comes from the Latin adjective “crassus”, meaning thick, referring to the thickening of the succulent leaves.
Crassula are popular for their great diversity of forms and colors. They are a truly no-fuss plant, and can grow well indoors and require minimal water. They are a fantastic choice for beginning succulent growers and anyone who wants to grow succulents indoors.
Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
Crassula come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two main forms are the shrubby Jades with round, glossy leaves and the long-stemmed, trailing varieties with thin, symmetrically stacked leaves. Potted and pruned, Crassula can stay under 3 inches, but outdoors, Jade Plants can grow into large shrubs up to 6 feet tall.
Crassula also come in many shades of green, some with color accents on their leaf tips. Red, orange, and yellow accents can flush brighter with periods of stress from direct sun, cold temperatures, or restricted water.
The foliage of crassula is also diverse, with a variety of fleshy leaf shapes, including those resembling paddles, pagodas, straws, and propellers.
Crassula also have small, white to pink bloom clusters that are generally considered unremarkable. Some “stacked” Crassula species are monocarpic and will only bloom at the end of their lives after many years of growth.
Environmental Preferences
Crassula prefer indirect sunlight, which can be found in most rooms. However, if you have colorful varieties, they need to be near a sunny window or under a grow light to show vibrant red and yellow pigments. For outdoor plantings, pick partial sun locations with shade protection on hot afternoons.
Crassula also need well-draining soil like a cactus/succulent potting mix. To make your own, mix 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand. Fertilizer is not required, but 2-3 applications of balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer can encourage growth.
Crassula require minimal water, only water when soil is fully dry, then drench thoroughly. Depending on soil type, container size, and climate, watering frequency can vary from 2-8 times a month.
Most Crassula only tolerate a brief, light frost; outdoor planting is restricted to zones 9 and 10.
Types of Crassula Succulents
There are many different types of crassula succulents, including common and less common varieties.
Common Types
Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)
Crassula arborescens (Silver Dollar Plant)
Crassula tetragona (Mini Pine Tree)
Less Common Types
Crassula rupestris (String of Buttons)
Crassula perforata (String of Nickels)
Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant)
Care and Maintenance
Propagation
Repotting
Repotting should be done when the plant has outgrown its current container or when the soil has broken down and is no longer providing proper drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current container and loosen any tangled roots. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as cactus/succulent mix, and plant the crassula at the same level it was previously planted. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests that can affect crassula plants include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and treating them immediately with an appropriate pesticide can prevent infestations. Avoid over-watering and providing proper drainage can also prevent issues with pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Crassula succulents are a versatile and easy-to-care-for addition to any collection. With a wide variety of forms and colors, they can be used in a variety of ways, such as indoor bonsai plants or outdoor landscaping plants.
Crassula plants are very forgiving growers, but they will rot if left in standing water. Always err on the side of heavier and less frequent watering and enjoy watching the plants shrink as they dry and swell when re-hydrated.
Remember to provide proper light, well-draining soil, and minimal watering. Regular inspection and treatment for pests can also help ensure healthy growth.
