Synonyms:

This name, Crassula marnieriana, is a synonym of Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana.

Habitat:

Crassula marnieriana is native to South Africa, in particular Lesoto and Swaziland.

Description:

Crassula marnieriana is a little succulent. The reason of its common name, Jade Necklace, is the peculiar form of its stems: leaves aren’t detachable neither distinguishable from them, so that they end to be quadrangular or rounded, peculiar, similar to little necklaces. Leaves are thick and rounded, densely packed to the stems so that they seem scales, green with intense red tinges. Stems are slightly prostrate, when grown, and erect when tiny. They become maximum 15-20 centimeters tall. Flowers are very small and incospicuous.

Cultivation:

Crassula marnieriana is a slow-growing plant, not so difficult to grow. Pay attention to watering: interventions should be moderate and frequent to maintain a moist (never overwet) in Spring and Summer and reduced and scarce in Winter, only when the substrate completely dries up, to avoid root and stem rot. This plant requires a bright spot to take on its fashinating intense red colour but avoid a full exposure in Summer It’s better to keep it indoors to avoid frost damages: temperatures below 5ºC should be avoided. This species needs a very good ventilation to avoid too humid conditions. Its substrate should be a porous potting mix, very well-draining. Choose a shallow pot to provide the best condition to its fibrous roots. Repotting is not so often necessary because of the slow growing attitude of this plant.

Propagation:

Propagation of C. marnieriana can be easily realized through the removal of its many offsets. If planted in a sandy, humid substrate, these offsets should be able to root in a month. Also seeds are another good way of propagation.

Curiosity:

The name “Crassula” comes from the Latin “crassus”, which means fat.