Family: Crassulaceae

This large genus of succulents comprises around 300 species, mostly from tropical and South Africa, though some are found in tropical America and Madagascar. They range in size from tiny succulents to large shrubs. The leaves are mostly stemless, and often joined at the base; sometimes they clasp and surround the stem. Usually very small, the flowers are borne in a terminal, flat cluster, and range in colour from white and pink to yellow, greenish and bright red. Some species have tuberous roots.

Species

C. arborescens, silver jade plant, makes a good pot plant. It grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall, with flat, fleshy, rounded, grayish green leaves with red margins. The starry flowers are pale pink but do not last for long.

C. ovata is similar to C. arborescens, but smaller, and it has shiny, dark green, rather oblique leaves and whitish pink flowers.

C. schmidtii is a small, hairy, mat-forming species, with rosettes of linear, fleshy green leaves which are spotted in red. The leaves are red on the undersides and the flowers are a deep pinkish red.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, these succulents are grown in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, or as house plants. Grow them in pots of well-drained cactus compost in maximum light with a dry atmosphere. Keep the compost only slightly moist in winter. Water normally at other times. Propagate from seed, stem or leaf cuttings in the spring.

Climate

Zone 10.