Crassula humbertii | Madagascar Crassula
€7,95
🌱 Morphology
A small, glabrous, and very compact succulent, only 3–5 cm tall, which can branch to form small dense clumps. The stems are cylindrical, up to about 1.5 mm in diameter, erect, slightly papillose, and frequently bare at the base; they root easily and can exhibit pale green to reddish tones. The leaves are opposite, sessile, and partially clasp the stem. They are oblong-elliptic in shape with an acute apex, very fleshy, approximately 6.5–8.5 × 2.5–4 mm, and up to 2.5 mm thick. Their color is generally pale green, although they can acquire reddish hues, and the upper surface features small, dark red spots distributed quite regularly. Young leaves possess small translucent papillae that soon disappear.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Crassulaceae. It is a species endemic to southern Madagascar, especially known from the southernmost tip of the island, in the vicinity of Cap Sainte-Marie and Tsiombe, with records also extending toward Ampanihy. It lives in extremely arid environments on limestone plates and outcrops, practically devoid of vegetation, with very poor, powdery, and shallow soils. An annual rainfall of approximately 300 mm was described in the type locality, partially offset by moisture-laden sea winds and hidden condensation. It almost always grows under very intense lighting.
❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 10a–11b
It originates from a warm, arid environment in southern Madagascar, so it should be considered sensitive to prolonged cold. It can tolerate occasional drops if it is completely dry and acclimatized, but exposure to frost is not recommended. During cold spells, it is especially important to keep the substrate dry.
☀️ Lighting
Target guidance of 18–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR. In its natural habitat, it grows almost always in full light, and intense lighting promotes compact growth and the appearance of reddish tones. Gradual acclimatization is recommended when moving from protected conditions to direct sun.
💧 Growth cycle and irrigation
Opportunistic. Its habitat features very little rainfall and high temperatures, but it receives additional moisture through condensation and sea mists. For this reason, it should be considered a xerophyte extremely adapted to drought, although this does not mean it should be kept permanently dry in cultivation. During growth periods, it is recommended to water abundantly and infrequently, allowing the substrate to dry out completely. During extreme heat episodes, it may slow down its activity and watering should be spaced out; during cold periods, it should be kept practically dry. The shallow depth of the natural soil makes it especially important to avoid any water accumulation around the roots.
🌸 Flowering
The flowers are solitary and axillary, about 3–4 mm, pentamerous. The corolla is white, occasionally streaked with a pink dorsal line, and features obovate petals of approximately 3 mm; the anthers are deep yellow. In cultivation, flowering and fruiting occur during April and May.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied after watering and with the substrate previously hydrated. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.
Plant in a 9x9 cm pot
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