Crassula lactea aka Krysna Crassula

Crassula lactea belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is a succulent subshrub, a small shrub with fleshy growth. Its common names include tailor’s patch and flowering crassula. It comes from subtropical parts of South Africa. Kew gives its range as the southeastern Cape to Northern Province. LLIFLE notes Cape plants from near Mosselbaai to East London. Wild plants grow among rocks, under shrubs and trees. They also grow in scrub in the Fish River area.

This small shrub lives for more than one year. It reaches about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] tall. A few branches grow from its base. Its curved stems may lie on the ground. Branches reach about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] long. They keep their old leaves. The thick leaves feel like leather and grow in pairs. Each pair sits across from the next. Each leaf narrows to a base joined around the stem. The leaf blades widen toward their tips and have smooth edges. Most look dull green; some have yellowish edges. Rows of white dots line both faces near the edges.

The tips of mature shoots bear branched groups of flowers. These groups are called cymes. The flowers have a scent and form white or off-white stars. Some have red-tinted tips and rose to purple anthers. Anthers are the flower parts that hold pollen. The pale groups form the plant’s main show of blooms. It flowers in winter, from May to July in southern regions. For the Northern Hemisphere, LLIFLE gives December to March. The fruit is a capsule with five chambers and many seeds.

Grow this plant in mineral soil that drains well. It can grow in poor soil and needs little plant feed. Give it moderate water from autumn through spring. Take care with water in winter. Water it at regular times in summer, but avoid keeping soil wet. It copes with some drought but needs enough water in cultivation. It can stay outdoors where there is no frost. In colder places, bring it indoors for protection. It grows in shade in the wild. The evidence gives no exact light needs for garden plants.

LLIFLE says it grows fast and suits those new to gardening. Its small size and winter blooms give it value for display. Growers can raise it from seed or stem cuttings. The stated time to sow seed is autumn. Cuttings can root in clean river sand in two to three weeks. LLIFLE says this species is not prone to pests. Too much plant feed can cause excess growth. Fungal disease can more easily harm that growth. The supplied sources do not show which parts, if any, people can eat. They do not establish safety for people or pets.