Crassulaceae
Crassula erosula
Crassula erosula
An easy, slow-growing succulent for a sunny spot. Give it as much light as possible, a gritty, fast-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water deeply only when the soil has dried out, less in the resting season, and never leave it standing in water. Protect it from frost; it tolerates only brief, dry cold down to about -4 °C.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
-3.9° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Crassula erosula?
Crassula erosula (Crassula erosula) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Crassula erosula is a small succulent from the Crassula family (Crassulaceae). Botanists now treat it as a subspecies, Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula, and the old name Crassula erosula is kept as a synonym. In the wild it grows on gravelly slopes among scrub in southwestern Namibia and along the...
Crassula erosula grows up to 30cm, watering every 10 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Crassula erosula tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Crassula erosula is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Crassula erosula?
TLDR: Crassula erosula needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -3.9-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Crassula erosula?
Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again; in the growing season that is often every 7 to 10 days in a pot, much less when the plant is resting. The wild form grows mainly in the cool season, so cut back watering in the hottest weeks and in cold, dark spells. Empty saucers after watering: standing water quickly causes root rot. Sudden swings between very dry and very wet can cause corky blisters (edema) on the leaves.
How Much Light Does Crassula erosula Need?
Full sun or the brightest window you have. Strong light keeps the plant compact and brings out red tones in the leaves; in shade the leaves stay green and the stems stretch and flop. Indoors a south- or west-facing window is best, and indoor artificial light alone is usually not enough.
What Is the Best Soil for Crassula erosula?
Use a sandy, gritty succulent or cactus mix, for example regular potting soil mixed with plenty of coarse sand, perlite or pumice. The key is fast drainage; poor, mineral soil suits it better than rich compost.
What Pot Should You Use for Crassula erosula?
A terracotta or other unglazed pot with a drainage hole, only slightly wider than the root ball; shallow pots or bowls suit this small, shallow-rooted succulent.
What Is Crassula erosula and Where Does It Come From?
Crassula erosula is a small succulent from the Crassula family (Crassulaceae). Botanists now treat it as a subspecies, Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula, and the old name Crassula erosula is kept as a synonym. In the wild it grows on gravelly slopes among scrub in southwestern Namibia and along the coastal mountains of South Africa, from the Orange River down to near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape. It forms a few upright branches up to about 30 cm tall, mostly from the base, with oblong, smooth or slightly hairy leaves that range from green to red. In spring it raises long stalks, up to 40 cm, with clusters of small cream to yellowish flowers. The name is also widely used in nurseries for the red-leaved cultivar 'Campfire', whose leaves turn bright orange-red in strong sun; its origin is disputed and it is often sold as Crassula capitella 'Campfire'.
How to Propagate Crassula erosula?
Stem cuttings
Do not cover cuttings or keep them wet; they root best with bright indirect light and little water.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem tip 5-8 cm long with clean scissors.
- 2 Leave it in a dry, shaded place for 1-2 days until the cut end calluses.
- 3 Insert it into dry or barely moist gritty succulent mix.
- 4 Wait about a week, then water lightly when the mix is dry.
Materials needed:
Leaf cuttings
Leaves that tear at the base rarely root; pick plump leaves and be patient, a new rosette takes weeks to show.
- 1 Gently twist off a whole, healthy leaf including its base.
- 2 Let it dry for 1-2 days.
- 3 Lay it on top of dry succulent mix in bright indirect light.
- 4 Mist the surface lightly only when roots appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Crassula erosula Grow?
TLDR: Crassula erosula can reach up to 30cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
30cm
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 Crassula erosula?
TLDR: Crassula erosula is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
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.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
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.
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.
Fun Facts
The current botanical name is Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula; Crassula erosula, described by N.E. Brown, is kept as a synonym.
In the wild it grows on gravelly slopes from southwestern Namibia to the Western Cape of South Africa.
Its leaves can shift from green to fiery red depending on how much sun they get.
Rosettes that flower usually die afterwards, but the plant keeps going through its side branches.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Crassula erosula?
Why are my Crassula erosula leaves green instead of red?
Is Crassula erosula the same as Campfire Crassula?
Is Crassula erosula toxic to pets?
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 | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- GBIF Backbone: Crassula erosula N.E.Br. (synonym of Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula)
- Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula (N.E.Br.) Toelken - POWO
- Globulea erosula - LLIFLE
- Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula - World of Succulents
- Crassula erosula - Desert Tropicals
- Crassula erosula 'Campfire' - Top Tropicals
- Crassula cv. Campfire - LLIFLE
- Campfire Crassula - Kennedy's Country Gardens
