Crassula multicava Lem.
Fairy Crassula / Pitted Crassula
Crassula multicava, known as the "fairy crassula", is a succulent native to KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Provinces of South Africa, widely naturalised elsewhere in the world (Australia, Madeira, Canary Islands, southern Europe). Its small four-petalled pink flowers bloom abundantly in autumn and winter, creating very decorative clouds of colour. It is one of the most shade- and moisture-tolerant crassulas, making it especially useful for shaded gardens.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Ground-covering rosette succulent |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Loam to clay-loam, well aerated, tolerant of higher organic matter content |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Ovate to spatulate leaves, 3–6 cm long, fleshy but flatter than in xeric crassulas, medium to dark shiny green with small visible depressions or pits (multicava = with many cavities, referring to these pits). The surface may have a slight reddish tinge at the edges under full sun.
ecoProcumbent to erect stems, 10–30 cm long, easily rooting at nodes when touching the ground, forming dense mats. Though woody at the base with age, young parts maintain a soft, herbaceous appearance.
ecoFour-petalled flowers (an unusual character in Crassula which typically has 5), small, 4–7 mm, pink to pale pink or pinkish-white, produced in very abundant aerial panicles up to 20 cm long that rise above the foliage. The autumn-winter flowering can last several months and is the species' main ornamental attribute.
ecoShallow fibrous roots that rapidly colonise shaded, moist soils. Produces bulbils or propagules at the tips of the floral peduncles after flowering, which fall to the ground and root easily, explaining its invasive character in some regions.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loam to clay-loam, well aerated, tolerant of higher organic matter content
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 C. multicava spontaneously produces aerial plantlets (small plantlets with incipient roots) in leaf axils — this is its most natural and successful propagation method.
- 2 When plantlets reach 1–2 cm in diameter and have visible roots, gently detach them with fingers.
- 3 Place directly on slightly moist cactus mix without burying deeply.
- 4 Keep in a place with bright indirect light; aerial plantlets root within a few weeks.
- 5 Once established (3–4 weeks), begin the normal watering cycle.
- 1 Cut a 6–10 cm stem with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Remove the basal pair of leaves.
- 3 Allow to cure for 2–3 days.
- 4 Plant in cactus mix with some perlite.
- 5 Water lightly; C. multicava tolerates more moisture and shade than most Crassula.
- 1 Remove the plant and separate branched stems with their own roots.
- 2 Plant directly in slightly moist cactus mix.
- 3 Place in medium light or partial shade — C. multicava is the most shade-tolerant Crassula.
C. multicava is unique among Crassula for producing aerial plantlets in leaf axils; take advantage of this phenomenon to multiply the plant effortlessly.
Treating C. multicava like other Crassula and leaving the substrate completely dry for weeks; this species needs somewhat more frequent watering.
Repot every 2 years in spring; as a plant that actively multiplies, it can be divided into multiple pots at repotting time.
Fertilise once a month in spring and summer with balanced fertiliser (NPK 10-10-10) diluted to 50%. In autumn reduce to half; no fertilisation in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Mild toxicity; may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested in quantity. Not toxic to humans under normal contact.
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"C. multicava is the only species in the genus confirmed as an invasive species in Australia, where it displaces native flora in sclerophyll forest ecosystems. It produces bulbils on the peduncles that act as highly effective vegetative propagules, a rare dispersal mechanism in Crassula that contributes to its success as an invasive."
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Scientific Integrity
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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.