Crassula susannae is a favored succulent for its distinctive appearance and compact size. Native to South Africa, this small plant forms captivating rosettes of wrinkled, green to grey-green leaves, often adorned with tiny papillae that give them a rough texture. Its slow growth means it can take years to fill a small pot, allowing prolonged observation. In the fall, Crassula susannae can produce small, white, tubular flowers in clusters, adding to its charm.
Crassula Susannae Care Requirements
Light
Crassula susannae thrives in bright light conditions. Indoors, provide bright, indirect light or at least six hours of direct sunlight, such as from a south-facing window. Intense, direct afternoon sun can cause scorching or discoloration. Outdoors, morning sun with afternoon shade is best to prevent damage.
Watering
Water Crassula susannae using the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Consistently wet soil causes root rot, so ensure thorough drainage. Watering frequency varies with temperature and humidity; more in hot, dry conditions, less in cool, humid ones. Reduce watering significantly during its fall and winter dormancy, possibly to once a month.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, porous soil mix prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root development. Use a succulent or cactus potting soil amended with gritty materials. Add pumice, perlite, coarse sand, or grit for increased drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils.
Temperature and Humidity
It prefers warm environments, ideally 64-77°F (18-25°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage, and frost is fatal. Bring plants indoors during winter in colder climates. It prefers low humidity, thriving in average household levels.
Fertilization
It does not require heavy feeding. If desired, use a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer for succulents and cacti. Dilute to half or quarter strength to prevent over-fertilization and salt buildup. Fertilize sparingly, typically once a month or every six weeks during spring and summer growing season. Do not fertilize during fall and winter dormancy.
Propagating Crassula Susannae
Propagate Crassula susannae using leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets. For any method, allow the cut end to callus (dry) for a few days before planting to prevent rot.
For leaf cuttings, select a healthy, plump leaf and gently twist or cut it cleanly from the mother plant. After callusing, lay the leaf on well-draining succulent soil, ensuring the cut end contacts the surface. Mist lightly to keep soil moist, not soggy, and place in bright, indirect sunlight. Roots and new growth typically emerge within weeks.
For stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem segment and cut it cleanly. After the cutting has callused, insert the cut end into well-draining succulent soil, burying it about an inch deep. Water lightly and position the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight to encourage root development.
Offsets, small plantlets from the main plant’s base, can be carefully removed and planted similarly once sized.
Repotting Crassula Susannae
Repotting is infrequent due to slow growth and tolerance for being root-bound. Repot when the plant outgrows its container, shows stress from a crowded root system, or if soil degrades. The best time is during the warm growing season, like spring or early summer.
Choose a pot only slightly larger with drainage holes. Ensure the soil is dry before starting.
Carefully remove the plant, gently massaging the root ball to loosen and remove old soil. Inspect roots for damage and trim unhealthy portions.
Place fresh, well-draining succulent soil in the new pot, center the plant, and fill around the roots, gently firming the soil. After repotting, allow a few days to settle before resuming regular watering.
Common Issues and Solutions
While generally hardy, Crassula susannae can face issues, often from improper care. Root rot, caused by overwatering or poor drainage, presents as mushy stems or leaves and general decline. Address by reducing watering, ensuring soil dries, and using a gritty, well-draining mix.
Etiolation, stretched, pale growth with increased leaf spacing, indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location; stretched growth will not revert.
Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can affect Crassula susannae. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf axils. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth. Spider mites are tiny arachnids causing fine webbing and yellow speckling.
Regular inspection aids early detection. Manage infestations by wiping pests with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil for widespread issues.