Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans Live Plant – Red Carpet Stonecrop Succulent

Overview

Introduce a splash of vibrant color and texture to your garden or indoor plant collection with the stunning Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant. Also commonly known as the red carpet stonecrop succulent, this charming succulent is celebrated for its low-growing, mat-forming habit and the remarkable way its foliage transforms into a rich, fiery red when exposed to ample sunlight. Native to South Africa, Crassula pubescens is a member of the Crassulaceae family, renowned for its diverse and resilient species. This particular subspecies, radicans, is especially prized for its ease of care, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned succulent enthusiasts and those new to gardening. Whether you’re looking to create a colorful ground cover, add interest to a rock garden, or brighten up a sunny windowsill, this easy care succulent offers both beauty and simplicity. Its adaptability and striking appearance ensure it will be a focal point wherever it’s placed.

Key Benefits

The Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly desirable addition to any plant collection. Its unique characteristics contribute to both aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance, providing a rewarding experience for growers.

• Vibrant Color Transformation: One of the most captivating features of this succulent is its ability to change color. When given sufficient sunlight, the green foliage of the red carpet stonecrop succulent deepens into a spectacular red, creating a dynamic visual display that enhances any setting.
• Excellent Ground Cover: Its low-growing and spreading nature makes it an ideal choice for ground cover in arid gardens, rockeries, or along pathways. It effectively suppresses weeds while adding a lush, colorful carpet.
• Beginner-Friendly Care: This is truly an easy care succulent. It thrives on neglect, requiring minimal watering and attention once established, making it perfect for those with busy lifestyles or new to plant care.
• Drought Tolerant: As a succulent, the Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant is naturally adapted to dry conditions. It stores water in its leaves, allowing it to withstand prolonged periods without watering, which is beneficial for water-wise gardening.
• Versatile Placement: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments (in appropriate climates), it can be grown in pots, containers, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, offering flexibility in design.
• Attractive Texture: The small, fleshy leaves create a fine texture that contrasts beautifully with other plants, adding depth and interest to mixed arrangements.
• Air Purification: Like many plants, succulents contribute to better indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen, albeit on a smaller scale than larger plants.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant is straightforward, ensuring a rewarding experience even for beginners. Understanding its basic needs will help it thrive and display its best coloration. This Crassula pubescens care guide will help you keep your succulent healthy and vibrant.

Light: This succulent absolutely loves the sun. For the most intense red coloration, provide full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. If grown indoors, place it in a south-facing window where it can receive bright, direct light. Insufficient light will result in a greener plant and leggy growth. When moving an indoor plant outdoors, acclimate it gradually to prevent sunburn.

Water: The key to successful succulent care is proper watering. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and then allow it to dry out fully before watering again. Overwatering is the most common cause of succulent demise, leading to root rot. During winter months, reduce watering frequency significantly, as the plant’s growth slows down. Always ensure excess water can drain away freely.

Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. A good mix will typically contain a large proportion of granular matter like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, mixed with a smaller amount of peat or compost. This prevents water from sitting around the roots, crucial for the health of your red carpet stonecrop succulent. Good drainage is paramount for healthy root development.

Temperature & Humidity: This succulent prefers warm growing environments. The ideal temperature range is between 64-77°F (18-25°C). While it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, it is sensitive to frost and should be protected from temperatures below 40°F (4°C). If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to grow this plant in a container that can be moved indoors. Average household humidity levels are perfectly suitable for this plant when grown indoors, as it does not require high humidity.

Potting: For container growing, ceramic pots are often recommended due to their permeability, which allows the soil to breathe and excess moisture to evaporate. While clay pots are also permeable, they can dry out too quickly. Plastic pots tend to retain water for too long and have poor permeability, increasing the risk of root rot unless managed carefully with a very gritty soil mix and careful watering. Ensure any pot has drainage holes.

Fertilization: Succulents are not heavy feeders. Fertilize sparingly, if at all, during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid succulent or cactus fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter months. Over-fertilization can harm the plant.

Propagation: Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant is easily propagated from stem cuttings or individual leaves. Allow cuttings or leaves to callus for a few days before placing them on well-draining soil. New roots and plantlets will eventually form.

Size & Details

The Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant is a compact and attractive succulent, making it suitable for various display options. When mature, it forms a low, spreading mat, typically reaching a height of 2-4 inches and spreading up to 12 inches or more, creating a beautiful ‘red carpet’ effect. The plants are generally shipped in either 2-inch pots (with soil) or as larger 4-inch bare-root specimens, depending on the size purchased. Bare-root shipping is often preferred for larger succulents as it reduces stress during transit and allows for a healthier transition to its new home. This ground cover succulent has a relatively fast growth rate under optimal conditions, quickly filling out its space. Expect your plant to arrive healthy and ready to be transplanted into its permanent home. The vibrant red coloration is most prominent when the plant receives abundant sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant get? A: This succulent typically grows to a height of 2-4 inches and can spread up to 12 inches or more, forming a low, dense mat. Its compact size makes it versatile for various growing environments.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The red carpet stonecrop succulent can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, it thrives in USDA zones 9-11. Indoors, it requires a bright, sunny location, such as a south-facing window, to achieve its best color.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For the most vibrant red coloration, this succulent needs at least 6 hours of full, direct sunlight daily. Less light will result in a greener plant and potentially leggy growth.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? Is it good for beginners? A: Yes, the Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant is considered an easy care succulent, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its primary needs are ample sunlight and infrequent watering.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? Is it shipped with soil? A: Smaller plants (e.g., 2-inch) are typically shipped with their pot and soil. Larger plants (e.g., 4-inch and above) are often shipped bare-root without a pot or soil to ensure better health during transit. You will receive a very similar plant to the one shown in photos.
• Q: How often should I water my Crassula pubescens care? A: Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. This could be every 2-4 weeks depending on temperature, humidity, and pot size. Always err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Q: Can I use this succulent as ground cover? A: Absolutely! Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an ideal ground cover succulent, particularly in rock gardens, xeriscapes, or sunny borders where it can form a beautiful red carpet.
• Q: What type of soil is best for this succulent? A: A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is essential. This usually consists of a large proportion of gritty materials like perlite or pumice to ensure quick drainage and prevent waterlogging.
• Q: What is the minimum temperature this plant can tolerate? A: The Crassula pubescens ssp. radicans live plant prefers warm temperatures and should be protected from freezing. It can generally tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F (4°C) but will not survive a hard frost.
• Q: How can I make my red carpet stonecrop succulent turn red? A: The key to achieving its vibrant red color is providing abundant direct sunlight. The more sun it receives, the richer and deeper its red hues will become. Cooler temperatures (above freezing) can also enhance coloration.