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Cactus SucculentConservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Crassula muscosa

rat tail cypress

A spreading, perennial succulent to 30cm high, forming a dense bush of branching stems with tightly overlapping green leaves. Bears tiny, tubular yellow-green flowers along the stems in spring.

Other common names
princess pine
rat tail cypress
see moretoy cypress
watch-chain cypress
Synonyms
Crassula lycopodioides variegata
Crassula muscosa 'Variegata'
see moreCrassula lycopodioides

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Crassula can be succulent annuals, perennials, evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with fleshy leaves and small, star-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in a terminal cluster

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa, Namibia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus potting mix. Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in early spring at 15-18ºC, or by softwood or leaf cuttings in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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