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Crassula muscosa

Crassula muscosa

For todays post, I am looking at the succulent Crassula muscosa, also known as the ‘watch chain’, ‘zipper plant’ and ‘lizards’ tail’. Sometimes you will see Crassula muscosa named Crassula lycopodioides, which is reference to its similarity to the genus Lycopodium (the clubmosses).

Crassula is a genus containing 200 species. Crassula is derived from the Latin for thick and refers to the thickening of this genus’ leaves.

Muscosa is Latin for ‘mossy’. So, in combination Crassula muscosa means ‘thick moss’, which kind of fits with this plant.

Crassula muscosa looks almost aquatic and reminds me of seaweed or coral. It has numerous stems with tightly packed green leaves. The leaves look like a chain, hence how it got its common name of ‘watch chain’ succulent.

Crassula muscosa is found in South Africa and is found in humid areas.

I picked up my Crassula muscosa in a lucky dip of succulents online. It cost around £2.50. It came unlabelled, and identifying it was tricky as it does not appear in any of my books. I stumbled across the identification online, which was lucky. I was beginning to doubt it was a succulent at all! I love its unusual appearance, and the texture it gives to my collection.

My Crassula muscosa is around 10cm tall, but they can grow to 30cm in height. Mine has upright leaves, but as it grows taller it will trail.

Care instructions: Crassula muscosa are robust plants. They like full sun but can tolerate some shade. If given a lot of sun the leaves will be tight, if grown in less light, the leaves will be softer and more open.

Crassula muscosa can be grown in temperatures down to -6.7°C!  Crassula muscosa prefer temperatures below 15°C. I’ve been keeping mine indoors on a kitchen windowsill which will be warmer than this, and it is doing just fine. In summer I will find it a more shaded spot to protect it, as it likes brightness not heat.

Crassula muscosa need to be watered when the soil is dry and should be watered deeply. Watering should be reduced in winter.

Crassula muscosa can be fed fertiliser from spring to autumn, ½ strength every fortnight or so.

Crassula muscosa might flower spring/summer and will sprout pale yellow leaves from the stems.

I have mine potted in regular cactus potting mixture, with grit in the base of the pot for added drainage. They like well-drained soil.

Crassula muscosa can be propagated from stem cuttings. I will try this and update this post if I am successful.

Crassula muscosa is an unusual succulent, and one I really enjoy. I look forward to seeing if it flowers and how easy it is to propagate.

Any questions/corrections- please comment below 😁

Crassula muscosa


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