About Crassula multicava Lem.
Crassula multicava Lem., commonly known as fairy crassula, is a mat-forming succulent with a moderate to fast growth rate. It produces plump, opposite oval to round deep green leaves; one cultivar, 'Purple Dragon', has purple leaf undersides. In its native habitat, this species blooms in winter, bearing star-shaped white to pinkish flowers that each have four petals and four sepals. It grows to an average height of 15 cm, and can reach up to 30 cm tall. This plant is native to South Africa, where it grows specifically in the mountainous areas of Natal, Eastern Cape, and Southern Cape. Within this region, it occurs naturally in forest margins, along river and stream banks, and in coastal and subtropical thickets. Fairy crassula is cultivated as a groundcover. It is drought tolerant, and can tolerate low temperatures down to −3 °C. It also tolerates low light and grows well in shade, though growing it in low light can negatively affect leaf color and flower quality. It self-seeds readily, and can also be propagated from cuttings. It additionally reproduces on its own by producing small plantlets on its flower heads; these plantlets fall off and grow into new independent plants. Due to its small mature size, it can be grown in pots in well-composted clay soil.
