Origin and Natural Habitat
Crassula muscosa is native to arid regions of South Africa, but the crested form is generally only seen in cultivation.
Plant Characteristics
The crested form of Crassula muscosa has flattened, dark green stems that grow in a wave-like shape. It does tend to grow normal reverted stems, but these generally become crested as well.
Commonly known as the crested watch chain plant.
Care Guide
Light
Crassula muscosa can tolerate full sun if carefully adjusted to it, however, it is best to grow them under 40% shade cloth.
Soil
The crested form of Crassula muscosa are somewhat fussy and should be planted in a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
This species can be moderately watered throughout the year, but make sure to water carefully during winter so that the soil does not stay too wet.
Pot size
This Crassula forms medium sized clumps of crested stems, but it grows relatively slowly. Small plants can be kept in 8cm pots until they start to grow near the edges of the pot, at which point they can be moved to larger pots. They should only be planted in a pot that is 3-5cm wider than their outermost stems.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30*C. It can tolerate 5 – 35*C. It is sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Crassula muscosa are arid plants and are quite sensitive to humidity. The tips of the stems tend to succumb to mold if humidity is too high. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Crassula muscosa grow throughout the year, but active growth slows down in peak winter and peak summer.
Propagation
Crassula muscosa f. cristata is best propagated from stem cuttings.
Stem cuttings: Crassula is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Only take cuttings in autumn and spring. Cuttings will not root well in mid-winter or summer. Simply use a sterilized sharp knife to remove a cutting from the main stem. Make sure it is at least one third of the size of the main stem of the plant before removing it, otherwise it may struggle to survive. Let this cutting air dry for two weeks. It should begin to produce aerial roots on its own. Plant the cuttings in the same soil as the mother plant.