Crassula Mesembryanthemoides is a succulent subshrub belonging to the Crassulaceae family, along with the Echeveria plant, Sedum, and Aeonium.
This evergreen perennial is native to South Africa and grown in the subtropics, desert, or Mediterranean climate, or as an indoor house plant.
The genus of Crassula plants has many different types and varieties, with the jade plant one of the most popular.
The scientific name of this plant is Crassula Mesembryanthemoides (KRASS-oo-la, Mess-em-bree-AN-them-OY-deez) Subsp. Mesembryanthemoides and its common name is Crassula Moon Glow.
How Do You Care For Crassula Mesembryanthemoides?
Size & Growth
The woody stem of this plant grows about 12″ inches tall. The leaves are covered in soft bristle-like hairs, which give this plant a frosted appearance.
The hairs protect the plant from extreme sun exposure.
Its teardrop-shaped green leaves form rosettes.
The plant has a geometrical pattern, just like almost all of the Crassula plants.
However, this succulent plant has a more whimsical touch to it.
Flowering and Fragrance
By the end of summer, this plant produces beautiful tubular-shaped pink flowers that form in clusters on the top of the plant.
At dusk, the inflorescence emits a pleasant fragrance.
Light & Temperature
These succulent plants love the full sun but also thrive in partial shade.
Make sure to place this plant in an area where it can enjoy at least six hours of sun exposure every day.
The plant is also easily grown indoors if it gets sufficient light.
Place the plant on or near a south-facing window for optimal growth habit.
The United States USDA hardiness zone of this plant is between 9a to 11b.
If you are growing this succulent in a climate colder than 30° degrees Fahrenheit (-1° C), keep the plant in a container so it may be transferred indoors to protect from the harsh cold.
Watering and Feeding
- The watering needs of the Mesembryanthemoides plant are the same as other succulents.
- Opt for the soak and dry watering method.
- Make sure the soil is completely dry before watering the plant.
- The watering frequency may vary from two to eight times every month, depending on the climate, container size, and soil type.
- Feed the plant once a month if it is actively growing.
- Use a liquid cactus or succulent fertilizer while watering the plant.
- The new plant doesn’t require feeding in its first year.
Soil & Transplanting
Just like other kinds of succulents, this plant requires a well-draining mixture for ultimate growth.
It is recommended to use a succulent and cacti potting mix to provide it with the nutrients the plant needs.
Create a potting mixture by combining equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil.
Grooming and Maintenance
- These succulent plants are easy to grow and have a high tolerance.
- Plants will start rotting rapidly in standing water.
- It is always better to water less frequently than heavily.
- Partial sun is better to keep this plant thriving.
- To improve branching, pinch the plant to also encourage better growth and enhance the longevity of your plant.
Propagating Crassula Mesembryanthemoides Plants
The propagation of this plant is done using seeds, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings.
The easiest propagation method is the leaf cuttings.
- Place a leaf in cacti and succulent soil mix and cover.
- Keep soil moist until you see growth.
- When propagating with seeds, it is best to sow them during the fall season in a well-draining mixture.
- Grow the plant outdoors if the USDA zone is 9a or more.
- Otherwise, it is better to sow the seeds indoors and use a grow light.
While leaf cuttings might be the easiest way, the fastest results are witnessed with stem cuttings.
- Start by taking a stem from the plant using a pair of scissors or a sharp, sterile knife.
- After removing the stem from the mature plant, let it become callous for a few days.
- Place the stem in a well-draining mixture and water once the soil dries out completely.
Mesembryanthemoides Plant Pest or Diseases
There are no major disease or pest issues faced by this plant.
However, be on a lookout for signs of succulent mealybugs, slugs, snails, aphids, and spider mites.
Utilize the standard techniques to get rid of the pests.
Learn more on Succulent Pest Control.
The main disease issues these plants experience are due to overwatering.
Make sure the plant stays mostly dry to drastically reduce any potential threat.
Keep in mind, the majority of the succulent plants are sensitive to fungicides and pesticides.
Therefore, use them sparingly and on smaller batches of plants as trial applications before using them on all of the plants.
Uses For Mesembryanthemoides Crassula
These succulent plants mix well with Kalanchoe, Senecio, and Haworthia plants, particularly with Crassula Capitella.
While this plant enhances the visual interest and texture when growing in container gardens with other plants, it looks wonderful on its own as well.
This drought-tolerant plant makes an excellent house plant, in containers, and also in miniature gardens.
It is mostly used as an ornamental or bonsai plant.