The Rattail Crassula (Crassula muscosa) is a distinctive succulent known for its straightforward care. Its tightly packed stems resemble a rattail or watch chain, making it a unique addition to indoor plant collections. This low-maintenance, visually interesting plant is suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Understanding Rattail Crassula
Crassula muscosa, also commonly referred to as Watch Chain Plant, Zipper Plant, or Princess Pine, is a succulent subshrub native to South Africa and Namibia. This plant features tiny, scale-like, light-green leaves densely packed around thin, branching stems. The arrangement of these leaves in four rows gives the stems a somewhat square or zipper-like shape.
Initially, the stems grow upright, forming a compact, bushy habit. As the plant matures, these stems can reach lengths of up to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and begin to trail, making it well-suited for hanging baskets or elevated displays. While it produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers along the stems, it is primarily grown for its unique foliage.
Rattail Crassula Care Guide
Light
Rattail Crassula thrives in bright, indirect light, requiring at least six hours daily. A south-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere) often provides suitable conditions. Morning or late afternoon sun can enhance its coloring and promote compact growth. However, intense midday sun can scorch leaves, turning them reddish-brown or crispy. Inadequate light leads to leggy, elongated stems and yellowing leaves.
Watering
Proper watering involves a “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about 2 inches deep; water if dry. Overwatering causes root rot and mushy, yellow leaves. During cooler, dormant months, reduce watering significantly, keeping the soil barely moist to prevent root rot.
Soil Requirements
Rattail Crassula requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is suitable. For enhanced drainage, amend with perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or horticultural grit (30-50% of the mix). Avoid heavy garden soils or those high in peat, as they retain too much moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
This succulent prefers average room temperatures, ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during its active growing season. Higher temperatures are tolerated with good ventilation. It is hardy down to about 20°F (-6.7°C), but does not tolerate being cold and wet simultaneously. Rattail Crassula prefers low to average humidity levels, ideally 50% or lower, as high humidity encourages fungal issues.
Fertilizing
Rattail Crassula is not a heavy feeder, as it adapts well to nutrient-poor environments. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced succulent-specific fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 2-3 weeks or monthly. Water the plant a day before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Avoid fertilizing entirely during its dormant period in winter, as this leads to fertilizer burn.
Repotting
Repotting is needed every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is during spring, summer, or early fall, its active growth periods. Select a pot only one size larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. After repotting, wait a few days before watering to allow the plant to settle and any damaged roots to heal.
Dormancy Period
Crassula muscosa enters dormancy in winter. Growth slows significantly, and care requirements shift. Reduce watering to keep soil barely moist, and pause fertilization completely. A slightly cooler temperature (50-59°F / 10-15°C) can encourage spring flowering, though warmer indoor temperatures are tolerated with adjusted watering.
Propagating Rattail Crassula
Propagating Rattail Crassula is a straightforward process, achieved through stem cuttings. It roots readily, making it easy to create new plants or rejuvenate older ones. Select a healthy stem section (2-4 inches long) and use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make the cut.
After taking the cutting, allow it to dry and callus for a few days to a week. Callusing prevents rot once planted. Once callused, insert the cut end about 2 inches deep into a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist (not soggy) until roots develop (typically 2-3 weeks). Place the new cutting in bright, indirect light.
Common Problems and Solutions
Rotting stems or roots, a frequent issue, almost always indicates overwatering or poorly draining soil. If stems appear mushy or translucent, allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering, and ensure proper drainage. In severe cases, repotting into fresh, dry soil and removing affected roots may be necessary.
Conversely, shriveling or wrinkled stems often indicate underwatering. If these signs appear, check soil moisture and increase watering frequency, ensuring the plant rehydrates without remaining soggy. Leggy growth (elongated stems, sparse foliage) signals insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location or supplement with a grow light for more compact growth.
While generally resistant, Rattail Crassula can be affected by common succulent pests like mealybugs. Inspect regularly for signs of infestation, particularly in leaf axils. If pests are found, treat with organic solutions like horticultural neem oil mixed with horticultural soap (applied weekly for a month), or wipe away with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.