Crassula rupestris commutata aka Rosary Vine

Crassula rupestris subsp. commutata is considered an easy-care succulent, making it ideal for beginners. It thrives with minimal attention, tolerating drought and neglect well once established. The main care requirement is avoiding overwatering, which is the primary cause of plant death. As long as you provide well-draining soil, adequate light, and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, this plant will reward you with healthy growth and attractive foliage.

This succulent propagates easily through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or division. For stem cuttings, take a 5-10 cm healthy stem section, allow the cut end to callus for 2-3 days, then plant in well-draining succulent soil. For leaf propagation, gently twist off a complete leaf, let it dry for a few days, and place it on moist soil until roots develop. The best time to propagate is during the active growing season in spring or summer. Expect rooting to occur within 2-4 weeks for stem cuttings.

This compact succulent typically reaches about 30 cm (12 inches) in height when mature. It grows as a much-branched shrublet with an upright habit initially, developing a cascading form as it matures. The growth rate is notably slow, with plants potentially taking five years or more to reach full size. In their natural rocky habitats, these plants have been documented living for over 60 years. The small triangular leaves measure less than 4 mm in length.

This succulent thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during active growth. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to about -4°C (25°F) for brief periods but is not frost-hardy for prolonged exposure. In regions colder than USDA zone 9b, it should be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter. Nighttime temperatures around 10-13°C (50-55°F) during winter dormancy can help encourage spring flowering.

This plant produces charming star-shaped flowers in white to pale pink, appearing in small terminal clusters during spring to early summer. The individual flowers are tiny, measuring approximately 6 mm (0.25 inches) across. Flowering typically indicates a healthy, well-established plant. Providing a cool winter rest period with reduced watering can help encourage blooming. During summer, the leaf margins also take on brilliant red and yellow hues, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal.

The most common pest is mealybugs, which appear as cottony white masses at leaf joints. Spider mites may also occur, particularly in dry conditions, causing stippled or yellowing foliage. Treat infestations by dabbing affected areas with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Root rot is the primary disease concern, caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Fungal issues and powdery mildew can develop in humid conditions. Prevention through proper watering practices and good air circulation is more effective than treatment.

Yellow leaves on this succulent most commonly indicate overwatering, which causes soft, mushy, translucent yellow foliage. Check if the soil is soggy and reduce watering frequency. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, but leaves will appear dry and shriveled rather than soft. Insufficient light causes pale yellow leaves with stretched, leggy growth. Some lower leaf yellowing and drop is natural as the plant ages. Check the soil moisture level to diagnose the issue correctly.

This plant has different needs throughout the year. During spring and summer (active growth), water when soil is completely dry and fertilize sparingly with diluted succulent fertilizer every 2-3 months. Some sources indicate a summer dormancy period in hot climates when watering should be reduced. In autumn and winter (dormancy), reduce watering significantly to monthly or less, withhold fertilizer, and provide cooler temperatures (10-13°C/50-55°F) to encourage spring blooming. The plant may appear less vibrant during dormancy, which is normal.

This succulent can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9b-11b where temperatures stay above -4°C (25°F). It thrives in rock gardens, succulent beds, and container arrangements in suitable climates. Choose a location with 6 hours of sunlight and excellent drainage. In colder regions, grow in containers that can be moved indoors before frost. The plant tolerates brief light frosts but prolonged freezing will cause damage. Use frost cloth for protection during unexpected cold snaps.

Repot during the warmer months (spring or early summer) when the plant is in active growth. Due to its slow growth rate, repotting is infrequently needed, typically every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes rootbound. Use a pot only slightly larger than the current one with excellent drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix.

This slow-growing succulent requires minimal pruning. You can trim leggy or stretched growth to encourage a more compact shape, or remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems as needed. Pruning is best done during the active growing season in spring or summer. The trimmed stem sections make excellent material for propagation. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, and allow any cut surfaces to dry and callus before watering the plant.

Crassula rupestris has three recognized subspecies: subsp. commutata (Tom Thumb), subsp. marnieriana (Jade Necklace), and subsp. rupestris. The commutata subspecies has smaller leaves (under 4mm) with visible internodes and stems that don't root when touching ground. The marnieriana subspecies has densely stacked leaves that make stems appear columnar and roots readily from stems. The popular 'Baby Necklace' is actually a hybrid between C. perforata and C. rupestris var. marnieriana, not a true variety of this species.

Rosary Vine’s native range is South Africa.

Rosary Vine does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

When growing the Rosary Vine, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Rosary Vine 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 Rock Crassula is always in the right place to thrive.

Rosary Vine plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

The Rosary Vine grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.