Crassula multicava / Fairy Crassula #582

About Crassula multicava

Crassula multicava, commonly called Fairy Crassula, is an evergreen succulent from South Africa in the Crassula family. It is a low-growing, sprawling plant with fleshy, rounded leaves on trailing stems. Its standout feature is two-toned foliage: the upper leaf surface is lime to olive green, while the underside and edges flush a vibrant berry red, especially in bright light. In late winter to early spring it throws up airy sprays of tiny, star-shaped flowers above the leaves. It is one of the easiest Crassulas to keep and to multiply, which makes it equally good as a beginner houseplant, a hanging-basket plant, or a groundcover in mild climates.

How to care for Crassula multicava

Sun/Location: Bright indoor light or filtered / partial sun is ideal. It also tolerates full sun, which brings out the strongest red coloring, but introduce it gradually to avoid scorch. It tolerates more shade than most succulents, though the red tones fade in deep shade. Outdoors, morning sun with afternoon shade is a safe default; indoors, a bright windowsill or grow light works.

Soil/Pot: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix (about 50–70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice or perlite), and always use a pot with drainage holes. Standing water is the fastest way to kill it. Repot only when root-bound, in warm weather, after letting the soil dry out first.

Watering: Soak and dry: water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Overwatering causes rot quickly. Water less in winter when growth slows. When in doubt, wait another day.

Propagating: Very easy. Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets and division all root readily — let the cut end callus for a day or two, lay or stick it in dry succulent mix, and water sparingly until rooted. Plantlets can also appear on spent flower stems.

More Information

Primary color: Lime to olive green
Secondary color: Berry red, Pinkish red
Bloom color: Pinkishe-white
Cold hardiness: Generally suited to USDA Zones 9–11 outdoors; protect from frost and prolonged cold
Product format: 2" pot
Suitability: Windowsill, office desk, bookshelf, indoor plant collection, decorative succulent-style arrangements
Propagation: Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets and division all root readily
Growth rate: Fast
Special characteristics: Two-toned green-and-red foliage; very easy to propagate; shade-tolerant for a succulent; vigorous spreader — it can become invasive in warm climates such as parts of California and Australia, so keep it contained if planted outdoors

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!