Succulent

Crassula dubia is a clumping, carpet-forming succulent with fat oval leaves that look like little stacked spoons. The grey-green foliage grows about 20cm high and spreads to around 1m, and the leaf edges blush pink in strong light. It suits a xeriscape bed or a pot in a bright room equally well.

Why you'll love it

• Sculptural leaves. Fat grey-green spoons stack in neat clusters, so the plant has shape and presence even when it is not flowering.
• A pink blush in strong light. Leaf edges colour up in sun, adding a soft pink edge to the grey-green.
• An unusual flower. Mature plants in good conditions send up a long stem topped with broccoli-like florets.
• Low and waterwise. About 20cm high, hardy and drought tolerant once established, it needs few waterings.
• Indoors or out. It clumps up happily in a bright room or a sunny garden bed.

Where it works best

Xeriscape beds and groundcover. Plant 50cm apart in full sun and free-draining soil. The clumps spread outwards and meet into a low, grey mat with very little care.

Rockeries and landscaping edges. The compact, textured clumps sit well among stones and along the front of gravel beds.

Pots indoors and out. A shallow pot of succulent mix suits a bright windowsill, patio or balcony.

Growing Crassula dubia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most colour and a compact shape. In low light the plant turns greener and grows taller and looser. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens. Where summers are humid, grow it in a pot or raised bed for good drainage. Frost can mark succulent leaves, so protect it in frosty districts.

Soil. Free-draining soil is the key. Gravelly, sandy or rocky ground suits it, and a succulent and cactus mix works in pots.

Water and feed. Water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then water when the soil is dry. A sunny position for at least part of the day keeps it healthy.

Pruning. Little is needed. Cut off the flower stem when the display is over to keep the clump tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Crassula dubia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is supplied by our grower and supply comes and goes. When it shows as sold out the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns. A young plant starts small and clumps up as it settles in.

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

• Succulents and cacti
• Jade plants and crassulas
• Plants for pots
• Building a waterwise garden

Common questions

Does it flower?

Mature plants in good light send up a long flower stem topped with broccoli-like florets. It is more of a curiosity than a show, and the foliage remains the feature.

Why has it stretched out?

Low light. It grows taller and greener when it does not get enough sun, so move it to a brighter position.

How much water does it need?

Water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so while it establishes, then only when the soil has dried out.