Crassula ovata 'Variegata'
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Crassula argentea 'Variegata'
- Phonetic Spelling
- KRASS-oo-la oh-VAY-tuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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A subtropical evergreen succulent shrub native to the southern coast of Africa. This cultivar, 'Variegata', has patchy green and white leaves that offer ornamental value.
Plant in well-drained potting soil that contains a lot of loam and place the pot in a sunny location indoors. It is intolerant of humidity and requires well-drained drier soil, so one must be careful not to overwater (this plant will develop root rot in poorly-drained soil). However, it has a small root system and therefore does not need a large pot. Bright light and average to cool indoor temperatures are also essential for good plant health. It does not usually bloom in home environments. Propagation is easily achieved by leaf cutting.
Quick ID Hints:
- Leaves are oval, succulent, and entire
- Leaves green with white variegation
- Stems are branched and thick with prominent stipular scars
- Leaves have scattered sunken stomata
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Crassula
- Species:
- ovata
- Family:
- Crassulaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Leaf Cutting
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Africa
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Succulent
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 11b, 11a, 12a, 12b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Insignificant
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Pollinated flowers produce a small capsule filled with seed.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Colored Sepals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- This plant rarely blooms as a houseplant but can form a 2-3 branched terminal cyme with abundant white flowers tinged with pink. They have 4-5 petals that are fused at the base and purple anthers. Flower buds have pink sepals.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Cuneate
- Obovate
- Obtuse
- Orbicular
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The 1 to 3½ inches long and ¾ to 1½ inches wide oval leaves are thick, fleshy, and shiny. They are variegated with a mix of green and white patches. The leaves have scattered sunken stomata, no stem, and tend to be clustered at the ends of the branches.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Peeling
- Bark Description:
- The bark is woody, peeling with distinct rings called stipular scars.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Branched, fleshy, and thick with distinct rings around the stem. New growth is green or reddish-brown while older growth has a more grey color. Stays a similar diameter the entire length of the stem.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
