Picture via biodiversidadvirtual
Basic Info
Crassula Ovata is best known as the ‘Crosby’s Compact’. As the plant matures you can expect it to be mostly green with red edges. The red feature of the succulent becomes more dominant if the plant is stressed correctly. As the plant gets older expect it to reach up to 90 cm (30″) tall. When it finally produces flowers expect star-shaped white flowers from fall to winter.
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Crosby’s Compact healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’
This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy white flowers. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.
This page contains affiliate links.
Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 90 cm (30″) tall
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 10a-11b -1.1°C (30°F)
- Best propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds
- Flowers are white
Where to Plant
Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a-11b which is around -1.1°C (30°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Crosby’s Compact in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
When selecting what pot to use be sure that you understand the difference between the material used (See our guide on how to pick the best plant pot).
How to Propagate Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’
Crosby’s Compact can be propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store. You can learn all about How To Repot Succulents in our guide.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ By Leaves
When propagating Crosby’s Compact with leaves. (Learn How to Propagate Succulents in detail here.) You should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will work. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ From Cuttings
When propagating Crosby’s Compact from cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant carefully with a clean knife or scissors. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ From Offsets
Crosby’s Compact propagates from offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you might wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Crassula Ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ is best known to be a cultivar of the Crassula Ovata.
