Crassula x marchandii | Marchand's Crassula
€7,95
🌱 Morphology
Small hybrid succulent, very compact and slow-growing. The stems have very short internodes, and the leaves are densely arranged, practically hiding the stem and forming small quadrangular-section columns.
The leaves are opposite and decussate, sessile, fleshy, smooth, and triangular-ovate to ovate in shape. They are closely imbricated around the stem, forming four regular rows. Their coloration can vary from grayish-green or olive-green to reddish, maroon, or brown tones when receiving plenty of light and in cool temperatures.
The habit usually remains low and compact, approximately 7–15 cm in height, potentially producing lateral branches and forming small clusters over time.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Crassulaceae. Crassula × marchandii is a hybrid of South African origin, currently recognized by Kew. It is considered the result of a cross between Crassula grisea × Crassula plegmatoides.
It is associated with the Knersvlakte region in the Western Cape Province, within the Succulent Karoo area, characterized by mineral soils, abundant quartz, scarce rainfall, and a marked summer drought.
The history of this hybrid is particularly interesting: the original material was collected by Max Otzen and initially circulated in cultivation under other names before being formally described as C. marchandii. The original locality also has a unique conservation status, so its current distribution should not be interpreted as that of a widely spread wild species.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 9b–11b. It can withstand relatively low temperatures when it is dry, well-acclimated, and protected from persistent moisture.
It is particularly important to avoid keeping the substrate moist during prolonged cold spells. It is also advisable to protect it from high temperatures accompanied by constant humidity, especially during its period of lower activity.
☀️ Lighting
Very intense lighting is recommended, with a target of 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR.
High light levels help maintain the extremely short internodes and the plant's characteristic compact structure. Additionally, with plenty of light and cool temperatures, the leaves can develop attractive reddish, maroon, or brown hues.
Specimens grown in low light should be progressively acclimated to high radiation levels to prevent sunburn.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Opportunistic. Due to its relationship with plants from the Knersvlakte and the western Succulent Karoo, it is adapted to a predominantly winter rainfall regime and dry summers. However, as it is a cultivated hybrid, its cycle may show more flexibility than that of the wild species from which it originates.
During seasons with moderate temperatures and while there is active growth, it is recommended to water abundantly and let the substrate dry completely before watering again.
During the summer, when temperatures are high and a clear decrease in activity is observed, water supply should be considerably reduced, and the plant can be kept practically dry during the hottest periods.
It is not recommended to set a fixed watering frequency: the physiological state of the plant and complete drying of the substrate should take precedence.
🌸 Flowering
The flowers are relatively small and appear clustered in terminal inflorescences. They present whitish to slightly pinkish tones and are less striking than the plant's compact architecture.
Flowering in cultivation usually occurs during cool seasons, approximately between winter and spring in Spain, although it may vary depending on temperature, lighting, and growth rate.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, using a moderate dose due to its small size and slow growth.
Before the formation of inflorescences, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering. Do not fertilize during rest periods or when temperatures are too high and the plant has stopped growing.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
