Crassulaceae
Bonsai Crassula (Crassula sarcocaulis)
Crassula sarcocaulis
Full sun, sandy and very free-draining soil, and infrequent watering, letting it dry out completely between drinks. It takes light frosts (down to about -5 °C) in dry soil. Slow-growing, it develops a miniature-tree shape on its own.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
-5° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Bonsai Crassula?
Bonsai Crassula (Crassula sarcocaulis) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Crassula sarcocaulis is a succulent subshrub in the Crassulaceae family, native to southern Africa (the Karoo, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Malawi). It forms a branching shrublet 50 cm to 1 m tall, with thick stems that look like a bonsai and small, narrow, pointed leaves that are mid-green tinge...
Bonsai Crassula grows up to 1.0m, spread of 50cm, watering every 14 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Bonsai Crassula tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Bonsai Crassula is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Bonsai Crassula?
TLDR: Bonsai Crassula needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -5-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Bonsai Crassula?
Water deeply, then wait until the soil is fully dry plus about another week before watering again; roughly every 2 weeks in the summer growing season. Water very little in winter.
How Much Light Does Bonsai Crassula Need?
Full sun, ideally a sheltered south- or west-facing spot (northern hemisphere). Indoors, give it the brightest window you have.
What Is the Best Soil for Bonsai Crassula?
Cactus and succulent mix, sandy or gritty, with excellent drainage. It tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH.
What Pot Should You Use for Bonsai Crassula?
A shallow terracotta or ceramic pot with a drainage hole suits its bonsai look; terracotta helps the mix dry out.
What Is Bonsai Crassula and Where Does It Come From?
Crassula sarcocaulis is a succulent subshrub in the Crassulaceae family, native to southern Africa (the Karoo, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Malawi). It forms a branching shrublet 50 cm to 1 m tall, with thick stems that look like a bonsai and small, narrow, pointed leaves that are mid-green tinged red. In late summer it is covered in clusters of small, scented, starry pale pink or white flowers. It is one of the most cold-tolerant crassulas.
How to Propagate Bonsai Crassula?
Stem cuttings
Don't overwater while the cutting roots: barely moist mix prevents rot.
- 1 Cut a 5 to 10 cm branch in spring or summer
- 2 Let the cut dry and callus for 2 to 3 days
- 3 Insert into slightly moist succulent mix
- 4 Keep in bright light out of harsh sun until rooted
Materials needed:
Leaf cuttings
The leaves are small, so stem cuttings are usually faster.
- 1 Remove whole, healthy leaves
- 2 Let them dry for 1 to 2 days
- 3 Lay them on dry succulent mix and mist lightly once roots appear
Materials needed:
Seed
The seeds are tiny: don't cover them with soil.
- 1 Sow in early spring on sandy mix
- 2 Keep at 15 to 18 °C
- 3 Keep lightly moist until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Bonsai Crassula Grow?
TLDR: Bonsai Crassula can reach up to 1.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Bonsai Crassula?
TLDR: Bonsai Crassula is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
The name sarcocaulis means 'fleshy stem' in Greek.
It's called bonsai crassula because it forms a miniature tree trunk on its own.
It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Crassula sarcocaulis?
Is bonsai crassula cold hardy?
What pests affect Crassula sarcocaulis?
Can I grow it as a bonsai?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
