Crassula helmsii aka New Zealand Pigmyweed
Taxonomy
Crassula helmsii, also known as swamp stonecrop or New Zealand pigmyweed, is a hardy aquatic or semi-terrestrial succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Originally found in Australia and New Zealand, it has now been introduced and become invasive in many countries, including the UK where it was banned from sale in 2014. This plant forms a carpet near ponds and rivers and can completely or partially submerge its stems in water. It has stiff shoots with small narrow leaves and produces flowers with four petals in the summer, emerging from the axils of upper leaves and always above the water. Despite being part of a diverse genus of plants, Crassula helmsii is known for its low maintenance and ability to withstand drought. It should be planted in a pot with a drainage hole and placed in a sunny location to keep it happy.
Common names
New Zealand Pigmyweed, Swamp Stonecrop, Swamp CrassulaHow to care for New Zealand Pigmyweed
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, New Zealand Pigmyweed is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
New Zealand Pigmyweed does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your New Zealand Pigmyweed healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the New Zealand Pigmyweed prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for New Zealand Pigmyweed to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
New Zealand Pigmyweed thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The New Zealand Pigmyweed is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
New Zealand Pigmyweed’s native range is South Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Crassula Genus
Crassula plegmatoides
Crassula exilis cooperi Tiger Jade
Crassula setulosa
Crassula moschata Shore Stonecrop
Crassula nudicaulis platyphylla Crassula Burgundy
Crassula justi-corderoyi Crassula Justi Corderoyi
Crassula pellucida Calico Kitten Plant
Crassula capitella thyrsiflora Shark's Tooth
Crassula orbicularis Sister's Bro
