The Crassula Moonglow succulent is one of the most exciting succulents since it doesn’t have a specific native origin. The plant is an amazing hybrid product of modern nurseries, having been created by two different succulent species, namely the Crassula perfoliata falcata and the Crassula deceptor arta. The small, upright succulent is a popular indoor plant known for its attractive appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements. It has thick, fleshy leaves and produces delicate pink flowers that can add a touch of elegance to your home garden or indoor spaces.
So, what do you need to know about the Crassula Moonglow succulent? The Crassula Moonglow belongs to the family Crassulaceae, known for its gray, hairy, and thick leaves. The leaves are usually stacked in opposing ranks along a beautiful stem. The succulent prefers a warm, sunny climate with a well-draining potting mix. Since it is one of the most drought-tolerant succulents, you don’t have to worry about frequent watering. In fact, you are only allowed to water it when the soil is completely dry. Given the right care, Crassula Moonglow will produce beautiful pink flowers in spring and winter. The plant can reach up to eight inches tall when grown indoors.
This blog post discusses everything you need to know about the beautiful Crassula Moonglow. Read on to learn more.
Crassula Moonglow: Scientific Classification
The succulent belongs to the family Crassulaceae, known for its gray, hairy, and thick leaves. The scientific name of the plant is simply Crassula Moonglow.
It belongs to the subfamily Crassuloideae which includes more than 1,400 species. Crassula contains over 200 succulent plants, mainly native to southern Africa.
The succulent belongs to the genus Crassula, known for its small-sized, shrubby, or herbaceous plants with woody stems.
Crassula Moonglow: Description and Appearance
The Crassula Moonglow is a beautiful indoor succulent with gray leaves tightly packed in overlapping ranks. The leaves are usually thick and fleshy with light pink to yellowish orange flowers.
When grown indoors, the plant can reach up to eight inches tall, but it can grow much taller when planted outside in warmer climates. It usually creates a compact cluster of columns that are pretty interesting to look at.
Besides being thick and fleshy, its leaves are also covered with fine velvet and its branches are covered in a soft coating of fine hairs.
The Crassula Moonglow is a hybrid succulent not related to any specific species of Crassula. It was bred by a nursery in Germany and is now widely available worldwide.
The succulent thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b, meaning it can survive in temperatures of between 30 and 50 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Crassula Moonglow: Origin
As mentioned earlier, the succulent doesn’t have a native origin.
However, it is believed that the earliest Crassula crossings were introduced by the famous Johnson Cactus Gardens in late 1958. This was when the first cross-breeding of Crassula Perfoliata and Crassula deceptor happened.
The first crossing was simply an experiment to establish whether it was possible to create a hybrid with unique features.
Although the experiment was successful, it was not until the late 1970s that Werner Schwab officially launched the Crassula Moonglow in Germany.
The succulent has gained massive popularity since then and is now widely available in nurseries and online stores worldwide.
Crassula Moonglow: Forms and Hybrids
One of the most popular forms of Crassula Moonglow is the “Ivory Tower,” known for its white flowers that bloom in late winter. It has thick, rounded leaves and is quite resistant to drought and pests.
There are also other forms of the succulent such as Crassula “Dragon’s Breath,” which produces vibrant red flowers; Crassula “Flowering Time” with burgundy-red flowers; and Crassula “Fairy Queen” with white star-shaped flowers.
Moreover, there are many hybrids of the succulent available on the market, such as Crassula Rubicunda x deceptor and Crassula deceptor x ‘Pink Diamond.’
Crassula Moonglow: Growth Rate
This succulent is a relatively slow-growing plant that matures slowly over time. It usually takes about one to two years for it to reach maximum height.
Although it doesn’t require extra fertilizer to grow faster, it can benefit from a light application of balanced nutrients once every few months.
Patience is key when growing the succulent, and you must always take good care of it to ensure it stays healthy and continues to grow.
Crassula Moonglow: Care and Maintenance
The Crassula Moonglow is an easy-care succulent that requires minimal attention from its owners. Typically, it prefers warm, sunny climates with a well-draining potting mix and moderate watering.
Since this succulent is drought resistant, it doesn’t need frequent watering, but it should be watered when the soil is completely dry.
It should be pruned regularly to keep it manageable and attractive. Pruning will also help promote healthy growth of the plant. Consider applying a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season for better results.
Since the succulent is a relatively slow grower, it doesn’t need frequent repotting. Ideally, you should repot your Crassula Moonglow once every two or three years or whenever it outgrows its current pot.
Ensure the potting mix is completely dry before repotting. Start by gently removing the plant from its current pot and knocking away the old soil from its roots.
Proceed to remove any rotten or dead roots before you transfer it to a new pot and fill the pot with fresh soil. Consider treating any cuts with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections.
Finally, water your plant lightly and place it in a sunny spot where it can receive plenty of sunlight. Your next watering session should occur when the potting mix is completely dry.
Crassula Moonglow: Propagation
This succulent can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature stems about 5 cm in length and inserted into a well-draining potting mix.
Leaf cuttings can be taken by plucking off healthy leaves with their petioles (leaf stalks) intact and inserting them in containers filled with moist potting mix. Ensure the leaves are not touching each other to avoid rot.
Your cuttings should be placed in an area where they can receive indirect sunlight and kept slightly moist until they start rooting and producing new growth. This process may take up to a few weeks or even months, so patience is necessary.
Once your cuttings have rooted, feel free to transplant them into individual pots and care for them as per the instructions above.
You can also propagate it through division. Division involves carefully separating the offsets (baby succulents) from the parent plant and replanting them in different containers.
This method is best done during spring or summer when the baby plants are well-established and easier to remove. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the baby plants as you separate them from their parent.
Crassula Moonglow: Growth Problems
The two most common issues you will encounter when cultivating this amazing succulent are fungal diseases and mealybugs.
Fungal diseases can be prevented by ensuring the potting mix is well-draining and avoiding overwatering. If you notice any wilting leaves or powdery patches, treat them with a fungicide immediately.
Mealybugs can be easily identified as tiny, white pests covered in a cotton-like material. If you notice any mealybugs, treat them with neem oil or insecticidal soap and transfer your plant to a different location.
Overwatering may also lead to root rot. Common signs of root rot include wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, and mushy stems.
If you notice these signs remove the affected parts and repot your Crassula Moonglow in a well-draining potting mix.
You can prevent future root rot by improving the drainage of your potting mix and reducing watering frequency.
Crassula Moonglow: Uses
This succulent is one of the most popular houseplants in the world due to its attractive foliage and easy care.
Its showy leaves make it an ideal choice for adding color to your living spaces, while its low maintenance requirements mean it can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced gardeners.
It is an excellent choice for rock gardens as it can tolerate drought conditions very well. You can also use it as a hanging plant to create a unique look in your home.
Furthermore, the succulent can be used for ornamental purposes and even be incorporated into certain dishes.
Its leaves are edible and have an acidic flavor similar to lemon or lime, making them great for adding zest to salads or garnishing dishes.
Crassula Moonglow: Toxicity
This succulent is non-toxic and can be safely cultivated in households with children or pets. It poses no threat to humans or animals and is resistant to fungal infections.
However, it is always good to err on the side of caution and keep it away from your pets because it can cause mild skin irritation if ingested.
Final Words
The Crassula Moonglow is a beautiful, easy-care succulent that can make a great addition to your indoor garden.
It has interesting features and comes in many forms and hybrids. With proper care, it will thrive indoors for many years.
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
