Crassula muscosa aka Watch Chain

Taxonomy

Crassula muscosa, synonyms Crassula lycopodioides and Crassula pseudolycopodioides, is a succulent plant native to South Africa and Namibia which belongs to the family of Crassulaceae and to the genus Crassula. This ornamental herbaceous succulent is grown worldwide as a houseplant and is commonly known as rattail crassula, watch chain, lizard's tail, zipper plant and princess pines. It is a shrubby plant that can reach up to 10 inches (25cm) in height and has small, densely clasping leaves wrapped around its creeping sprouts. It has a simple root system that cannot penetrate deep into the soil. This low maintenance plant is capable of handling long periods of drought and loves plenty of sunlight. For best results, plant it in a pot with a drainage hole. The Crassula genus is filled with an amazing diversity of sizes and colors native to South Africa, making these plants a great choice for gardeners who want to bring a little South African beauty into their own homes.

Common names

Watch Chain, Toy Cypress, African Grass

How to care for Watch Chain

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Watch Chain is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Watch Chain does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Watch Chain 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

Watch Chain requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Toy Cypress is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Watch Chain 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

Watch Chain prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Watch Chain 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

Watch Chain’s native range is South Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia