Crassula plegmatoides

Crassula plegmatoides is a small succulent in the Crassulaceae family. Its native range spans southwestern Namibia and northwestern South Africa. It grows near the southern end of the Namib coastal desert. Sites include quartz gravel, rocks, and areas with drifting sand. Rain falls in winter, but the habitat stays very dry. Wild plants grow when water becomes available.

This clump-forming plant has short stems with few basal branches. Stems stand upright or lie along the ground. In flower, columns reach about 0.26–0.49 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] tall. Thick leaves cover the stems and hide them from view. Each leaf clasps the stem and presses against its neighbours. Their close fit gives each column four sides. The rounded, grey-green leaves have a felt-like surface. Tiny raised bumps add to their rough texture.

Cream flowers appear from late summer to early autumn. They form loose heads above the dense leaf columns. Curved hairs cover the short flower stalks. The petals join at their bases and turn brown with age. Brown anthers sit within the small flowers. The name Crassula arta has sometimes been wrongly used for this species.

Its small size suits sunny windows and dish gardens. Give it full sun and a loose, fast-draining potting mix. A shallow pot suits its growth. Plants can stay in small pots for several years. In cultivation, growth occurs mainly in spring and autumn. Summer brings a rest period, so avoid too much water. Small amounts of water may still be needed throughout the year. In winter, wait until the soil dries fully before watering. Feed once during growth, using balanced fertiliser at half strength.

Too much water can rot both roots and stems. Cool, wet soil raises this risk. Never leave water standing around the roots, and keep humidity low. Low light and excess water can also loosen the columns. Gaps then show between the leaf pairs. Protect outdoor plants from winter rain. Dry plants may survive brief frost near 23°F [−5°C]. Frost protection helps prevent scars; LLIFLE lists USDA zones 9b–12. Side shoots offer a simple way to raise more plants. Their bases can root in soil within about a month. Seed provides another way to grow this species.