Crassula barbata

Crassula barbata, also known as bearded plant , is found in South Africa from Calvinia to Oudtshoorn and the Great Karoo near Victoria West. Here it grows in the wild on rocky hillsides and hides under bushes from the local harsh sun. When I first started growing it I got it under the name Crassula capitella setosa Turrita, but it is probably more correctly called Crassula barbata.

The smooth leaves turn green to grey-green and grow long white lashes on their edges, which is how it got its nickname. The leaves are obovate to almost circular in shape and can grow up to 4 cm long and 3.5 cm wide. Old leaves often remain attached to the stems. The basal rosette of smaller growth usually does not exceed 3 cm in height and may branch from the base into small clumps.

In spring, showy spike-like inflorescences bloom, which can grow up to 30 cm in height. The flowers are usually white to pinkish in colour. It is a monocarpic plant and dies back after flowering. Fortunately, however, it will usually form several new rosettes before flowering, which will continue to grow.

We do not fertilise the succulent as this would be detrimental to its growth. The small plant grows slowly and maintains a relatively stable appearance. Crassula barbata also looks great in combination with other succulents. Its bearded leaves and low stature make it an ideal unusual plant.