Common Name(s): Pastel Crassula, Variegated Tom Thumb, Crassula Tom Thumb Variegata
Origin: A cultivated hybrid of Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana and Crassula rupestris subsp. rupestris, originating as a variegated mutant of the popular ‘Tom Thumb’ cultivar.
Description:
Crassula ‘Pastel’ is a rare and exquisite miniature succulent prized for its delicate, stacked foliage and soft pastel hues. Its tiny, triangular leaves grow in tight, opposing ranks along slender, branching stems, creating a captivating pagoda-like or braided appearance. The fleshy leaves are a subtle blend of soft green and creamy variegation, with the leaf tips adorned in colourful reddish-pink edges that intensify when grown in bright light. This slow-growing plant reaches up to 15 cm tall, forming an attractive, freely branching cluster perfect for windowsills, fairy gardens, or a prized spot in any collector’s display. In spring, it may produce tiny clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers. Each plant is unique due to the variable distribution of variegation, ensuring no two specimens are exactly alike.
Care:
☀️ Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to partial sun. Morning sun enhances the pink edges, but protect from harsh afternoon rays to prevent leaf scorch.
💧 Water: Drought-tolerant. Use the “soak and dry” method, watering thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
🌱 Soil: Requires a gritty, exceptionally well-draining succulent mix with added pumice or perlite to prevent waterlogging.
🌡️ Temp: Protect from frost. Keep above -3.9°C (25°F) and maintain good air circulation.
🌸 Flowering: Produces small, star-shaped white flowers in clusters during spring.
Pet Friendly: ❌ Toxic to pets – If ingested, may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and incoordination. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion can cause significant discomfort. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings during the growing season. Allow cuttings to dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
