Crassula pellucida L.
Trailing Crassula
Crassula pellucida is a small trailing and climbing succulent native across a wide range in southern Africa, from the Cape to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Its specific epithet (pellucida = transparent, translucent) refers to the young leaves, which appear somewhat translucent when viewed against the light. It is cultivated mainly as a hanging and ground-cover plant indoors and in shaded garden areas. The variety 'Marginalis Variegata' with leaves marked in cream and pink is especially popular in horticulture.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Trailing-climbing succulent |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Loamy, well drained, with moderate organic matter content |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Ovate to circular leaves, 0.8–2.5 cm long, fleshy but thinner than other crassulas, medium to dark green with purplish or reddish tones under sun stress. The variety 'Marginalis Variegata' features green leaves with very ornamental cream, pink, and red margins and patches.
ecoThin stems, 1–3 mm in diameter, very flexible, trailing or hanging, easily rooting at nodes when in contact with substrate. They form dense carpets on the ground or showy cascades in hanging pots, extending up to 30–60 cm.
ecoSmall, white to very pale pink flowers, 3–5 mm long, grouped in terminal or axillary corymbs. Flowering is abundant in spring-summer and the flowers, though small, are numerous and decorative against the dark green leaf background.
ecoVery shallow root system with adventitious roots at each node of trailing stems. This node-rooting capacity facilitates vegetative propagation and the formation of dense ground-covering mats under favourable conditions.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loamy, well drained, with moderate organic matter content
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a trailing/hanging stem segment 6–10 cm long with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Remove the small basal pair of leaves.
- 3 Allow to cure for 2–3 days; C. pellucida's trailing stems root very quickly.
- 4 Plant in cactus mix or place several cuttings together in a pot for a dense mound effect.
- 5 Water lightly and keep in bright indirect light; leaves with red undersides benefit from some direct light.
- 1 Remove the plant from its pot; C. pellucida forms dense mats with rooted trailing stems.
- 2 Separate sections with roots using fingers.
- 3 Plant directly into new pots with cactus mix.
- 4 Water and place in a bright location.
The trailing stems with small leaves and red undersides are very attractive in hanging pots; the stems hang naturally and reach 20–30 cm in length.
Leaving the substrate dry for weeks as with other Crassula; C. pellucida needs slightly more frequent watering.
Repot every 1–2 years as it grows and spreads quickly. Choose shallow hanging pots that enhance the trailing effect.
Fertilise once a month in spring and summer with liquid succulent fertiliser at 50% dose. Reduce to half in autumn; no fertilisation in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxicity not definitively documented; caution recommended with pets. Low toxicity for humans.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"Crassula pellucida is notable for having one of the widest distribution ranges in the genus, spanning from semi-arid fynbos habitats in the Cape to humid subtropical riparian forests in Mozambique, making it one of the most ecologically plastic examples of adaptation within Crassula."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.