Crassula coccinea ( Red Crassula )

Crassula coccinea is a small but robust succulent shrublet about 300-600 mm high with an upright to sprawling habit. It has a few stems that branch from the base. As the plants get older the bottom of the stems turn brown and dry with the bright green, new leaves at the tips. The succulent leaves are flat, oval shaped and crowded along the stems, overlapping each other. In mid summer (December-January) to late summer (to March) the striking flowers are formed in a dense flat-topped head at the tip of the stems. The long tubular flowers are fragrant and brilliant red, especially in sunshine.


  • Scientific Name: Crassula coccinea L.
  • Common Names: Red Crassula, Klipblom
  • Synonyms: Crassula versicolor, Danielia coccinea, Danielia versicolor, Dietrichia coccinea, Dietrichia versicolor, Rochea coccinea
  • Family: Crassulaceae
  • Subfamily: Crassuloideae
  • Genus: Crassula



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How to Grow and Care


Crassula is a simply magnificent succulent plant family that is perfectly suited to growing indoors. Care, from repotting to pruning and watering, is easy.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.


Origin: 
Crassula coccinea occurs naturally in the Western Cape (South Africa) where it grows on the quartzitic sandstone mountains on bare rocks or shrubby slopes.

Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zone 
9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Soil: Crassula plants need very well draining soil, but they are not particular about soil pH. Sandy or even rocky soil is fine.

Water: 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. Crassula plants go dormant when the temperature gets hot in summer and need even less water.


Feeding: Feed sparingly. You can give your plants a little organic fertilizer in mid-spring, as they start actively growing.


- ALSO READ some more info  HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR CRASSULA  




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