BCSS Macclesfield & East Cheshire Branch

Newsletter March 2006 - Time for Crassulas

While the cacti are dormant over the winter months one can find a lot of interest in the cultivation and flowering of a few Crassulas (My standards regarding succulents are obviously a bit lower than Elizabeth’s! - see her article in this Newsletter) and what’s more a high level of heat is not necessary.

I try to maintain a minimum temperature of 40°F (5°C) in my greenhouse but sometimes it drops below the target and indeed its not unknown to occasionally get down to freezing for short periods. Nevertheless, I’ve had a number of Crassulas in flower. My rather unkempt specimen of Crassula lactea spends the summer outside and is brought inside around mid October, or before if frost threatens, and usually bearing a few buds which will open by December. C. columella puts up flowers in late autumn and by Christmas, C. brevifolia will be in flower (rather unpleasantly scented) as will the cultivar ‘Green Pagoda’ and the species with such a wonderful texture to the leaves, C. tecta.

I now have buds ready to open in the next week or two on C. namaquensis ssp. lutea (this species has the most intensely yellow flowers I’ve come across in any Crassula) and on two plants labelled C. pubescens. My examples of the latter species have quite different leaf forms, one being flat and about 1cm across and the other only about 0.3 cm. and almost cylindrical, this form is frequently called C. higginsiana. Both leaf forms (which are described in the literature) become nicely bronzed when grown in a good light.

Another attractive winter growing/spring flowering species which I used to have is C. barbata. It seems to be much less common in collections nowadays, which is a pity. I find that some other members of the genus are more active in the summer months and are happy outdoors at that time.

Most species present no problems in cultivation and propagation from cuttings is usually quite easy. I grow them in 2 parts John Innes 2 to 1 part grit. There are, however, some awkward customers which I would certainly not put outside and only water from the bottom, with care. Perhaps the biggest challenge is C. alstonii.

There are lots of Crassulas to choose from and almost anything is worth trying, although in some cases you might end up with some rather oversize or sprawling plants. These can always be discarded and you can try something else. Our hobby has no restrictions, you can grow what appeals to you - assuming it’s legal!

If you’re at all interested in Crassulas or think you might be, I recommend Gordon Rowley’s book, "Crassula, A Growers' Guide", published in 2003, beautifully illustrated, easy to read and great value for money.

Alasdair Glen