Watch Chain Crassula (Crassula muscosa): Tiny Scale-Leaved Succulent

Overview

Watch Chain Crassula (Crassula muscosa), also called Clubmoss Crassula, Princess Pine, or Rattail Crassula, is a curious, small succulent with tight, overlapping, scale-like leaves that completely cover the thin, branching stems, resembling a tiny conifer or clubmoss. The stems grow upright then trail, reaching 6–12 inches. Tiny, pale yellow-green flowers appear in leaf axils in spring. It forms a dense, mat-like clump. Excellent for miniature gardens, terrariums, rock crevices, and as a "spiller" in mixed succulent pots. Easy and adaptable.

Key Features

• Leaves: Tiny, scale-like, tightly overlapping; cover stems completely.
• Stems: Thin, branching; upright then trailing; 6–12 in.
• Flowers: Minute, pale yellow-green; spring.
• Habit: Dense, intricate mat/clump.

Care Guidelines

Light

Bright light to full sun. Best color in sun.

Water

Low. Allow to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant.

Soil

Well-draining succulent mix.

Propagation

Easy from stem cuttings.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Crassula (KRASS-oo-la)
Species:	muscosa (muss-KOH-suh)
Synonyms:	Crassula lycopodioides, Crassula muscosa var. pseudolycopodiodes