Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava): Shade-Tolerant Spreader

Overview

Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava) is a charming, low, spreading succulent from South Africa that thrives in shade—rare for succulents. Glossy, oval, green leaves with distinctive hydathodes (water pores) on the margins form a dense mat 6–12 inches tall. In late winter to spring, airy sprays of tiny, starry, pink-white flowers rise above the foliage like fairy dust. It spreads by runners and by plantlets that form on the flower stalks. Excellent groundcover for dry shade, under trees, and indoor planters. Easy and adaptable.

Key Features

• Leaves: Glossy, oval, green; hydathodes on margins.
• Flowers: Pink-white stars; airy sprays; late winter/spring.
• Spread: Runners + plantlets on flower stalks.
• Shade Tolerance: Excellent; thrives in dry shade.

Care Guidelines

Light

Shade to part sun. Best in bright shade.

Water

Moderate. More moisture than most succulents.

Soil

Well-drained, rich organic.

Propagation

Runners, plantlets, cuttings. Very easy.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Crassula (KRASS-oo-la)
Species:	multicava (mul-tee-KAH-vuh)
Synonyms:	Crassula quadrifida, Crassula punctata