Scientific Name
Crassula socialis Schönland
Common Name(s)
Ivory Towers
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Crassula socialis is a small succulent perennial that forms dense cushions of numerous rosettes. It is up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall when in flower. The rosettes are made up of four rows of leaves and are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The leaves are flat with an ovate to an almost circular shape, usually pointing downward and with a red flush.
The inflorescence is slender, sometimes branched, and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. Flowers are white, cup-shaped, and appear in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 12b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 60 °F (15.6 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your Crassula sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
Crassulas are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf: sprout leaves by placing them into a succulent or cacti mix, then covering the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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