Crassula--Succulent Plants
NL: Most of these plants can be propagated by leaves, others snip off the tips of the stems where the leaves are, then set in soil, do not water for at least a week. Save the bases of the plants, often offsets will start if you have left some green leaves on the stem.
DP: Do Crassula flower? What colors?
NL: The flowers come in reds: Crassula alba C. 'justi-corderoyi,' C.perfoliata falcata, C. 'Schmidtii,' C. dregeana; yellow: C. comptonii, C.lutea, C. 'Fernwood' Some pink:Crassula Morgans's Beauty', Crassula ovata 'Pink Beauty'. Others are mostly white and cream colored, one is actually orange, Crassula 'Moonglow', hybridizer Myron Kimnach.
A very few will be crested, C. muscosa (lycopodioides syn.) 'Blue Bird' synonym ('Blau Vogel') ' Blue Bird' crested is new this year. Some will have variegation.
Several will die after they flower, giving us a ring of offsets to reproduce. One looks like an Aloe and act like one. Leaves will not start, only offsets will, the plant grows quiet tall, loves damp soil, and some shade, it just does not follow the rules.
DP: Do these plants have any pests?
NL: Mealy bugs is a plague that I wish on every one that is evil. I use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol diluted 50% with distilled water. I also use Dexol systemic granules, put out ant bait, and spray with Safers Soap because it will not hurt Crassula. We use it at the Huntington Gardens, and if its safe enough for them to use, then surely it will be okay for me.
DP: Now Norma, I wouldn't wish mealies on my worst enemy. They just might pass them back to me. Readers: I've used a teaspoon of dish detergent in a gallon of water on various insect pests. Might work on mealies too. Safers insecticide soap is available at most nurseries and garden centers.
Norma: What are your plans for your future study of Crassula?
NL: I have been leaning the importance of documentation of each plant, along with a picture. I never turn down a specie offered even though I'm sure I have it. I have been volunteering at the Huntington the past 5 years and have learned so much that I want to write a book about Crassula, actually a work book, with as many tips about each plant as I learn to cultivate them 'One at a Time' I love each one dearly even if its homely,
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