Emerald Succulent

Emerald Succulent (Crassula 'Emerald') is a very slow-growing crassula that forms bright green, finger-like pillars of tightly interlocked rosettes. It stays just 10 to 15cm tall and spreads sideways in small clusters, which suits terrariums, small pots and rockery pockets. Unlike most succulents it prefers light shade to hot afternoon sun.

Why you'll love it

• A neat, tidy shape. Tiny interlocked rosettes of deep green leaves grow in clusters and spread into little families.
• Made for small spaces. At 10 to 15cm it fits a terrarium, a small bowl or a pocket among rocks.
• Happy in light shade. It copes with bright garden shade or a bright room, places where other succulents stretch or scorch.
• Winter flowers. Mature, contented plants carry clusters of small white starry flowers on the ends of the stalks in winter.
• Very waterwise. Hardy and drought tolerant once established, a drink about once a month in the warmer months is enough for most conditions.

Where it works best

Terrariums and small bowls. Slow growth means it holds its shape for years in a glass bowl or a shallow dish of gritty mix.

Pots indoors and out. A bright, sheltered corner of the verandah or a room with strong indirect light suits it better than a hot sill.

Rockery pockets. Tuck plants 15cm apart into shaded gaps between rocks, out of the full afternoon sun, and they slowly form tight green clumps.

Growing Emerald Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Light shade, or bright indirect light indoors. Avoid full sun in hot afternoons, which can scorch the leaves. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens, and works in pots wherever the climate is too cold or damp for it outside. Protect it from frost.

Soil. Free-draining soil or a succulent and cactus mix. Pots need drainage holes, because wet soil around the stems is the main cause of rot.

Water and feed. Water from below, into a saucer or dish, so the stem stays dry and does not rot. Once a month in the warmer months is enough for most conditions, and less in winter.

Pruning. Almost none. Because it grows so slowly, it holds its shape for years. Remove any dead or shrivelled rosettes with clean fingers.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Emerald Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Our grower supplies the tube stock and supply is not constant, so the tube shows as sold out when there is none. The notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. It is a slow grower, so treat what arrives as a small starter plant that will spread gradually into clusters.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulents
• Jade plants and crassulas
• Plants for partial shade
• Crassula care for an Australian home

Common questions

Can it take full sun?

Avoid full sun in the hot afternoon. Light shade or bright indirect light suits it best.

How do I water it without rotting the stem?

Water from below into a saucer or dish, let it drink, then drain. Once a month in the warmer months is enough for most conditions.

How fast does it grow?

Very slowly. It spreads in small clusters over years, so buy it for its neat shape rather than for quick cover.