Crassula multicava aka Cape Province Pygmyweed
Taxonomy
Crassula multicava, also known as the fairy crassula, pitted crassula or London pride is a perennial succulent plant from the family Crassulaceae native toSouth Africa and found naturally along the forest margin, riparian areas, mountainous regions of Natal and within coastal vegetation and also subspontaneous from abandoned cultivations. It has also been introduced and naturalized around the world in tropical and Mediterranean areas, and is an invasive species in Australia and California. It is a variable evergreen succulent species with stems that are very brittle and soft that may break off and lead to the establishment of new plants. Its leaves are round, dark green and lustrous in the shade and paler with small white or red spots when grown in more sun. Crassula multicava make great low maintenance plants that can handle long periods of drought and need plenty of sunlight in a pot with a drainage hole for best results.
Common names
Cape Province Pygmyweed, Jade Plant, Fairy Crassula, Money PlantHow to care for Cape Province Pygmyweed
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Cape Province Pygmyweed due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Cape Province Pygmyweed does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Cape Province Pygmyweed 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
Cape Province Pygmyweed thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Fairy Crassula.
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
Cape Province Pygmyweed 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 Cape Province Pygmyweed 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
Cape Province Pygmyweed’s native range is South Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Crassula Genus
Crassula alba Crassula Alba
Crassula volkensii
Crassula pubescens radicans Red Carpet Crassula
Crassula pyramidalis Buddha's Temple
Crassula exilis picturata Crassula Picturata
Crassula hemisphaerica Tom Thumb
Crassula deceptor String Of Cloves
Crassula capensis Crassula Capensis
