Crassula exilis Harv.
Slender Crassula / Dwarf Crassula
Crassula exilis, known as "slender crassula", is a small herbaceous succulent native across a wide territory in southern Africa, from the Cape to northeastern South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It is a highly variable species with numerous recognised subspecies, of which subsp. schmidtii stands out in horticulture for its dark green leaves with reddish spots or dots and its pink flowers. Its delicate, diminutive form makes it ideal for miniature collections and mixed with other small succulents.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Compact herbaceous rosette succulent |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Very sandy and mineral, excellent drainage, no moisture retention |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear to lanceolate leaves, 1–5 cm long and barely 3–8 mm wide, arranged in dense basal rosettes or along short stems. In subsp. schmidtii (the most cultivated), the leaves are dark green to olive with reddish spots or stripes and a slightly translucent margin that is very decorative. In the type species the leaves are more uniformly green.
ecoVery short stem, almost imperceptible, which in adult plants may rise slightly to form small clumps 5–15 cm tall. Young plants form very compact simple rosettes. Branches from the base to form colonies.
ecoSmall flowers, 4–6 mm long, white to pale pink or medium pink (showier in subsp. schmidtii), with 5 petals, grouped in cymes or corymbs on slender scapes 8–20 cm tall. Flowering occurs in winter and early spring, which is especially appreciated in succulent collections.
ecoThin, fibrous, shallow roots. The roots of this species are particularly sensitive to excess water, with root rot being the main cause of loss in cultivation.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Very sandy and mineral, excellent drainage, no moisture retention
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 C. exilis forms small dense rosettes; remove the plant from its pot in spring.
- 2 Carefully separate individual rosettes with fingers, ensuring each has roots.
- 3 Allow any cuts to dry for 1 day if present.
- 4 Plant each rosette in a small individual pot with well-draining cactus mix.
- 5 Water lightly and keep in a bright location.
- 1 Cut a small stem with rosette of 3–5 cm with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Allow to cure for 2–3 days.
- 3 Plant in fine cactus mix with a high perlite proportion (40%) given the small size of the plant.
- 4 Water lightly; the small rosettes are sensitive to excess moisture.
C. exilis is one of the smallest Crassula; grow in succulent terrariums or 6–8 cm pots where the small stature is best appreciated.
Planting in a large pot with too much substrate that retains moisture, causing the small roots to rot.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring, always choosing small pots (maximum 8–10 cm in diameter) suited to the miniature stature of the plant.
Fertilise very lightly once a month in spring and summer with succulent fertiliser at 25% of the standard dose. No fertilisation in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No significant toxicity reported for humans or domestic animals.
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"Subspecies schmidtii of C. exilis was for decades treated as a separate species until morphological and molecular studies by Tolken (1977) and later revisions synonymised it within C. exilis. Its reddish leaf spots have a photoprotective function similar to that observed in C. capitella, also responding to light and thermal stress."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.