Crassula elegans subsp. namibensis – Succulent plants

Crassula elegans subsp. namibensis is an ornamental form of the very variable Crassula elegans. It is a sprawling, perennial, leaf-succulent with tough, slightly woody base. The leaves are ovate, broadly triangular in section, closely packed so that internodes are usually not visible, glabrous, covered with papillae, green to brownish red to deep red in full sun. It produces loose, rounded thyrse at the stem apex with peduncle, covered with recurved hairs. The blossoms are very small, tubular, white, cream, beige or yellowish often fading to brown. The blooms keep going from autumn to winter.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Scientific Name: Crassula elegans subsp. namibensis (Friedr.) Toelken
Synonyms: Crassula namibensis (basionym), Crassula mesembrianthemoides
Common Names: Elegant Crassula

How to grow and maintain Crassula elegans subsp. namibensis:

Light:
It thrives best in bright light with some direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill will be an ideal position for these plants. They will not flower without sunlight and inadequate light will cause developing spindly growth.

Soil:
It grows well in well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Add coconut coir and Pine bark to make the soil more drainage friendly.

Water:
Water regularly, during the growing season (April to September), but water sparingly when dormant (autumn and winter). Allow the top of the soil to slightly dry out before watering again.

Temperature:
It prefers ideal room temperatures of around 60°F – 75°F / 15.5°C – 24°C. During winter no less than 50°F / 10°C. Cold weather and damp weather is not good. It loses its color and turns yellow and mushy.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season, from spring through summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not fertilize during the winter.

Re-potting:
Re-pot in spring when the plant becomes root bound or the soil needs renewing. A good solid and heavy pot is best to use because of these plants are well known for being top-heavy. A heavy pot will prevent them from tipping over.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings or by basal offsets. The cuttings or offsets should be taken in spring. Take 2-3 inch long stem cuttings and plant it in a 2-3 inch pot of equal parts mixture of peat moss and sand and keep it at normal room temperature in the bright filtered light.

Pests and Diseases:
It has is no serious pest or disease problems. But they are susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and fungal diseases. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot.