Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana: A Living Jewel from South Africa
Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana, commonly known as Jade Necklace or Chinese Pagoda, is a slow-growing succulent that stands as an unassuming yet intricate piece of nature's artistry. As one of the smaller growing stacked Crassulas or "string of buttons," its architectural growth pattern is a conversation starter. Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, this perennial plant manifests as a small shrublet, usually reaching heights of up to 15 cm and spreading about 15 cm wide. Its branches exhibit a decumbent growth habit and can occasionally root themselves into the ground, offering an effortless expansion to its reach.
Foliage and Coloration
One of the most enchanting features of this succulent is its foliage. The leaves are a lush green, thick and fleshy, each measuring about 0.5 cm long and 0.6 cm wide. As the plant matures and if exposed to favourable light conditions, the leaf edges develop a captivating tinge of red. The leaves are arranged in an opposite fashion and are somewhat fused at their bases, giving the branches a columnar appearance. The strong fusion between the leaves, known in botanical terms as "connate," is a key distinguishing feature of this subspecies.
Floral Charm
Adding to its allure are its star-shaped, pink-tinged flowers. These charming blossoms typically make their appearance in autumn, clustering terminally on the plant's stems. With a diameter of up to 1.5 cm, the flower panicles are a delightful sight, providing a subtle but intriguing contrast to the dominant green of the plant.
Natural Habitat
Originating from the rocky slopes and shallow soil basins of South Africa’s Klein Swartberge and Anysberg regions, this plant is adapted to higher altitudes and thrives best in gritty, sandy soils. In its native habitat, Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana is known for its resilience, managing to flourish in conditions that would be challenging for less hardy plants.
Cultivation Insights
When it comes to cultivation, this perennial succulent prefers a sunny location and can tolerate temperatures down to -7°C. For Australian growers, this plant is adaptable to a variety of climates across all states, provided that temperatures do not reach harsh extremes. An optimal substrate would be a gritty, well-draining soil, reminiscent of its natural South African terrain.
In summary, Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana offers a harmonious blend of visual appeal and low-maintenance care. Its unique foliage, red tinges, and charming flowers make it a captivating addition to any collection, inviting both novice and seasoned gardeners to indulge in its subtle beauty.
Crassula rupestris ssp. marnieriana plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images 2 to 6. First image for display only. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions. Most recent plants shown first.
Crassula 'Baby's Necklace': A Close Relative Worth Discovering
If you're enamored by the Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana, you'll find its close cousin, Crassula 'Baby's Necklace,' equally fascinating. Created by the renowned horticulturist Myron Kimnach, 'Baby's Necklace' is a hybrid of Crassula perforata and Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana. It shares the same stacked leaf arrangement but distinguishes itself with larger, puffy green leaves accented with rose-blushed edges that can darken to a rich chocolate colour in good light. Equally easy to cultivate, 'Baby's Necklace' can grow both indoors and outdoors, flourishing in well-draining soil and moderate sunlight. Its small stature—reaching up to 30 cm in height—makes it an ideal addition to compact spaces and windowsills, while its ornamental appeal makes it a conversation starter in any succulent collection.
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Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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